These Buffalo chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and give a spicy kick! Tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for parties or just a fun dinner at home.
The best part? Dipping them in cool bleu cheese dip adds a nice touch! Honestly, I can’t help but sneak a few before dinner. Who can resist that combo? 😋
I love serving these meatballs with crunchy veggies on the side. It makes for a tasty and satisfying snack that everyone enjoys. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground chicken: This is essential for the meatballs. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For meat lovers, ground beef or pork can also add great flavor!
Bread crumbs: I typically use panko for extra crunch, but regular bread crumbs are just fine. If you’re gluten-free, check for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush some gluten-free crackers.
Buffalo sauce: I love using Frank’s RedHot for its classic taste, but there are many varieties available. If you prefer a milder heat, try a sauce that’s less spicy or mix in some BBQ sauce.
Bleu cheese: Perfect for this dip! If you’re not a fan, try feta or goat cheese as a softer alternative, or make it creamy with just the mayo and sour cream without cheese.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Tender?
Keeping meatballs tender is all about how you mix and cook them. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Form meatballs gently without packing them too tight.
- If baking, make sure they’re not overcrowded on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Use a thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to know they’re done.
With these tips, your buffalo chicken meatballs will be juicy and flavorful. Enjoy every bite with that creamy bleu cheese dip!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Bleu Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying or baking)
For Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
For Bleu Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 3 oz crumbled bleu cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time plus 15-20 minutes for cooking. Make sure to allow a little extra time for the sauce and dip prep, so you’re looking at around 45 minutes total before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the meatballs tender!
2. Form Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or a plate. Making them uniform in size helps them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
– Option A (Pan-fry): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
– Option B (Bake): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce and honey (if using) until combined. Remove from heat once it’s mixed well.
5. Toss Meatballs in Sauce:
Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the meatballs and toss gently until all are evenly coated in the spicy sauce.
6. Prepare the Bleu Cheese Dip:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), crumbled bleu cheese, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother dip, you can blend it with a fork or pulse gently in a food processor.
7. Serve:
Arrange the buffalo chicken meatballs on a serving plate, drizzling a little bleu cheese dip over some meatballs. Garnish with additional chopped green onions. Serve extra bleu cheese dip on the side.
8. Optional Pairings:
For the full buffalo experience, serve with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your favorite crunchy veggies. They add a great contrast to the spicy meatballs!
Enjoy these spicy, cheesy bites dipped in cool, creamy bleu cheese—a fun twist on classic buffalo wings!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give you a slightly different flavor profile. Make sure to check the fat content; lean ground turkey may yield a drier meatball, so consider adding a bit more moisture by increasing the egg or breadcrumbs.
How Do I Make These Meatballs Less Spicy?
If you prefer milder meatballs, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Also, choose a mild hot sauce instead of a spicier option to tone down the heat.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking. The bleu cheese dip can also be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge for an easy assembly later!
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and add a splash of buffalo sauce for extra moisture if needed!
