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
Scale
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.
