If you are on the lookout for a game-day snack or a crowd-pleaser appetizer, this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs bursting with buffalo sauce heat, perfectly balanced by a cool, tangy bleu cheese yogurt dip that adds a refreshing twist. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of spicy, creamy, and herby flavors that keep you coming back for more. The combination is irresistible and easy enough to make for a large gathering or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s both simple and spectacular!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all essentials that come together beautifully to create the vibrant flavor and perfect texture of the meatballs and the dip. Each is chosen to balance heat, creaminess, and freshness in every bite.
- Lean ground chicken (1 pound): A mild, healthy base that forms tender meatballs without overpowering flavors.
- Egg (1): Acts as a natural binder to hold the meatballs together with a soft texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Adds lightness and a delicate bite to the meatballs for perfect softness.
- Finely diced cilantro (¼ cup): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Buffalo sauce (3 tablespoons + â…“ cup): The star ingredient imparting that signature spicy tang that defines this recipe.
- Medium carrot, finely shredded (1): A bit of sweetness and color that complements the spicy elements.
- Diced green onion (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle oniony crunch and color contrast.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): For that aromatic depth that ties all flavors together.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper: Perfect seasoning to enhance all ingredients.
- Bleu cheese yogurt dip (½ batch): Creamy, tangy, and cooling companion made ahead or store-bought.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip
Start by preparing your bleu cheese yogurt dip either from your favorite homemade recipe or by using a store-bought version to save time. Chill it in the refrigerator so it’s cold and ready, offering a welcome contrast to the warmth and spice of the meatballs.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper which will make cleanup a breeze and keep those meatballs from sticking, ensuring a perfect bake every time.
Step 3: Combine and Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce, shredded carrot, green onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely blended. Once combined, wet your hands and roll the mixture into 20 equally sized meatballs. Placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet mimics the care you’d take when serving someone special.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop those meatballs in the oven and allow them to bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfectly cooked when a thermometer inserted in the center reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit — juicy and safe every time.
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
Transfer the hot meatballs to a large bowl and drizzle the remaining â…“ cup of buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently until every meatball is coated in that signature spicy sauce, promising bursts of bold flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of diced green onions and fresh cilantro. Their vibrant color and fresh flavor add the perfect final touch. Serve right away next to your chilled bleu cheese yogurt dip for dipping heaven.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly diced green onion and cilantro as a garnish isn’t just about looks — it provides a fresh contrast that brightens the palate and adds a nice texture variation to these rich, spicy meatballs.
Side Dishes
Celery and carrot sticks make excellent companions here, balancing the heat with their crisp, cool crunch. They also provide a satisfying vegetable crunch that complements the creamy, spicy meatball flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging these meatballs on a large platter with small bowls of the bleu cheese yogurt dip and extra buffalo sauce for drizzling. You could also skewer a few meatballs with celery sticks for a fun finger food option at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe also freezes well! Lay the cooked meatballs on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. This method avoids sticking and keeps them ready to pop out for a fast, flavorful meal anytime.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, reheat your meatballs in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep them nice and tender. Warm separately the buffalo sauce to toss before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this swap won’t affect the taste.
What kind of buffalo sauce works best?
You can choose mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce depending on your heat preference. Mild keeps it approachable, while hot will bring out extra zing and spice for those who love robust heat.
Is it okay to use pre-made bleu cheese yogurt dip?
Definitely! Using a store-bought bleu cheese yogurt dip saves time and still tastes great. Just look for a good-quality brand, or jazz it up with a little crumbled bleu cheese stirred in for extra flavor.
Can I bake meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them. Just toss them with buffalo sauce and reheat them before serving for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
They can be, especially if you opt for a mild buffalo sauce. The heat level is adjustable, so you can make them less spicy for children and keep the bleu cheese yogurt dip handy as a cooling element.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe is a winner every time you make it—full of flavor, easy to prepare, and always crowd-pleasing. Whether for a party, a casual dinner, or an anytime snack, I truly hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with the bold combination of spicy buffalo heat and cool, tangy bleu cheese. Your next favorite comfort food awaits!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs, serves approximately 20 as appetizers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful twist on the classic appetizer, combining lean ground chicken, buffalo sauce, and fresh veggies baked to juicy perfection. Served with a tangy bleu cheese yogurt dip, this recipe offers a spicy, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground chicken (around 93% lean)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (mild, medium or hot)
- 1 medium carrot, finely shredded
- 2 tablespoons finely diced green onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- â…“ cup buffalo sauce (for tossing)
- Diced green onion, for garnish
- Diced cilantro, for garnish
Dip
- ½ batch bleu cheese yogurt dip (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Prepare the bleu cheese yogurt dip: Make the bleu cheese yogurt dip according to your favorite recipe or use a pre-made batch. Refrigerate it until ready to serve alongside the meatballs.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Form the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce, shredded carrot, diced green onion, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. With wet hands, shape the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until an internal thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, confirming they are fully cooked.
- Toss with buffalo sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs into a large bowl and gently toss or spoon the remaining â…“ cup buffalo sauce over them until they are evenly coated and flavorful.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the meatballs with diced green onions and cilantro for freshness and color. Serve immediately alongside the bleu cheese yogurt dip. For added crunch and traditional flair, offer celery and carrot sticks on the side.
Notes
- Using lean ground chicken helps keep these meatballs healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture; if unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used but may result in a denser meatball.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F to ensure safety.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
