For a simple appetizer or entrée with a spicy kick, these Buffalo chicken meatballs can be ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes!
Meatballs make a tasty weeknight dinner; but, they also make a high-protein game day snack, or fun party appetizer!
With a few simple ingredients, meatballs are easy to prepare. Plus, they can be low carb, keto, gluten free, or even vegetarian! For this recipe, I used ground chicken. Ground beef or turkey would also work well. And, the same base could be turned into burgers for a spicy take on Burger Night!
These meatballs are a healthier way to enjoy wings. And, they are not nearly as messy. Only 4 ingredients, but tons of flavor! With a little Buffalo sauce on the inside, plus they are topped with a simple homemade Buffalo sauce. Meatballs can be baked at 400 degrees for 16-20 minutes or browned in a skillet.
Serve with bleu cheese and celery for a real wing night feel!
What is Buffalo sauce?
Buffalo sauce is hot sauce plus a fat, usually butter. I usually add lime juice and brown sugar too. This creates a creamy sauce, perfect for meat and veggies! Buffalo wings, and the sauce, originated from Anchor Bar, located in Buffalo, New York…hence the name. They were created as a way to use chicken wings that had been accidentally delivered to the bar.
Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ground Chicken
Butter
Hot Sauce
Lime Juice
Brown Sugar
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken. Then, season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, melt 1 Tbsp. of butter. Next, stir in 1 tsp. of hot sauce. Pour over the ground chicken. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix well. Portion the meat into 4 sections. Then, split each section into 4 equal-sized pieces. Roll each portion into a ball.
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In a large skillet, heat 1-2 Tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat. Next, add the meatballs. Cook for 2-4 minutes, until beginning to brown. Then, turn and repeat on the other sides.
- Add 1 Tbsp. of butter to the skillet. Then, add 1 Tbsp. of hot sauce, the juice of 1/2 a lime, and about 1 tsp. of brown sugar. Stir and coat the meatballs with the sauce. Allow to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Storage
Meatballs will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and place into the freezer. Once frozen, remove and place in a container or Ziploc bag. Thaw before using. To reheat meatballs- use the microwave, a 350 degree oven, or an air fryer.
25 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 tsp. hot sauce
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tsp. brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken. Then, season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, melt 1 Tbsp. of butter. Next, stir in 1 tsp. of hot sauce. Pour over the ground chicken. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix well. Portion the meat into 4 sections. Then, split each section into 4 equal-sized pieces. Roll each portion into a ball.
- In a large skillet, heat 1-2 Tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat. Next, add the meatballs. Cook for 2-4 minutes, until beginning to brown. Then, turn and repeat on the other sides.
- Add 1 Tbsp. of butter to the skillet. Then, add 1 Tbsp. of hot sauce, the juice of 1/2 a lime, and about 1 tsp. of brown sugar. Stir and coat the meatballs with the sauce. Allow to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.