Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Bites

These irresistible Buffalo Chicken Meatballs capture all the bold, zesty flavors of traditional buffalo wings but in convenient, bite-sized form! Tender, juicy ground chicken is blended with tangy buffalo sauce, crunchy celery, and savory ranch seasonings, then baked to perfection for an appetizer that disappears as fast as you can serve it. #buffalochicken #gameday

What makes these meatballs truly special is their versatility – serve them as party appetizers, weeknight dinner heroes, or the star of your game day spread. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing creates that classic flavor pairing that everyone loves, but without the mess of traditional wings!

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or looking for a fun family dinner, these buffalo chicken bites strike the perfect balance between heat and flavor while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients Overview

These buffalo chicken meatballs come together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground chicken or turkey – The foundation of our meatballs, providing a leaner alternative to beef
• Panko breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a lighter texture than traditional breadcrumbs
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together
• Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce – The classic buffalo flavor we all know and love
• Garlic – For that essential savory punch
• Dry ranch seasoning – A secret ingredient that adds incredible depth of flavor
• Green onions – For a mild, fresh onion flavor and pretty garnish
• Celery – Adds traditional buffalo wing accompaniment flavor right into the meatball
• Onion powder and black pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing – The perfect cooling counterpoint to the spicy meatballs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these buffalo chicken meatballs is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps for appetizer perfection:

1. Step 1
   

   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

   
   
2. Step 2
   

   In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients: ground chicken (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, egg, buffalo sauce, minced garlic, ranch seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and most of your chopped celery and green onions (reserve some for garnish). Use clean hands or a fork to mix everything until well incorporated.

   
   
3. Step 3
   

   With slightly wet hands (this prevents sticking), form the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs. The mixture should yield approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on size. Arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

   
   
4. Step 4
   

   Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). For an extra crispy exterior, switch to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

   
   
5. Step 5
   

   Optional: For even more buffalo flavor, brush the hot meatballs with additional buffalo sauce immediately after removing from the oven.

   
   
6. Step 6
   

   Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with your reserved green onions and celery, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy while hot!

   
   

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Follow these pro tips to ensure your buffalo chicken meatballs turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• Don’t overmix – Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
• Keep hands wet – Wet your hands slightly when rolling the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Uniform size matters – Try to make all meatballs roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Check the temperature – Chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
• Rest before serving – Let the meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.

Delicious Variations

Change Up the Heat

Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce or trying different hot sauce varieties. For mild meatballs, reduce the buffalo sauce and add a bit of tomato sauce. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce.

Cheese, Please!

Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, or pepper jack cheese to the meatball mixture before forming for ooey-gooey cheesy buffalo meatballs.

Bacon Lover’s Version

Add 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon to the meatball mixture for an irresistible smoky-spicy combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Mediterranean Twist

Swap the ranch seasoning for Greek seasonings and serve with tzatziki instead of ranch for a Mediterranean-inspired buffalo meatball that’s refreshingly different.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Buffalo chicken meatballs are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerating

Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend storing any extra sauce separately to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

For refrigerated meatballs: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
For frozen meatballs: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe with no other adjustments needed. Some people even prefer the slightly richer flavor of turkey.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs as binders. Also, refrigerating the formed meatballs for 15-20 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better during cooking.

Can I make these buffalo chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs up to a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also fully cook them ahead and reheat following the instructions above.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Not as written, but they can easily be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and ensuring your ranch seasoning is gluten-free (many are, but always check the label).

What can I serve with buffalo chicken meatballs?

These versatile meatballs pair beautifully with crisp celery and carrot sticks, potato wedges, a fresh green salad, or even mac and cheese for a heartier meal. For a party, serve them alongside other finger foods like sliders, nachos, or a veggie platter.

I absolutely love making these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for game day gatherings at our house! The first time I made them, they disappeared faster than any other appetizer on the table. My husband, who’s a die-hard buffalo wing fan, actually said he prefers these now because they’re “all the flavor without the messy fingers!” I always make a double batch – one with the recipe as written for the spice-lovers, and another milder version that even the kids devour. They’re now my go-to recipe whenever we have friends over to watch sports. If you try these, be sure to snap a photo and tag me – I’d love to see how they turn out for you!