These juicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs deliver all the bold, spicy flavors you love in just 17 minutes. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these protein-packed meatballs combine lean ground chicken with zesty buffalo sauce for a healthier twist on classic wings.
With 22g of protein per serving and only 226 calories, they’re an ideal choice for game day gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. The best part? They require minimal prep time but deliver maximum flavor impact.
Main Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: 1 pound, can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder to enhance flavors
- Binding Elements: Panko breadcrumbs and 1 large egg for perfect texture
- Vegetables: Minced celery and shredded carrots for added nutrition
- Frank’s Hot Sauce: ¼-⅓ cup depending on heat preference
Bleu Cheese Dip Ingredients
- Base: Greek yogurt and crumbled blue cheese for creamy texture
- Aromatics: Fresh chives, minced garlic, and black pepper
- Brightness: Fresh lemon juice to balance flavors
Preparation Steps
- Mix Base: Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl until well incorporated
- Add Meat: Gently mix in ground chicken, being careful not to overmix
- Form Meatballs: Shape into 30 small meatballs, about two teaspoons each
- Air Fry Method: Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until thoroughly cooked
- Prepare Dip: Mix all bleu cheese dip ingredients in a bowl until well combined
Cooking Techniques
Hey there! These meatballs are super versatile – you can make them in either an air fryer or regular oven. The air fryer gives them a nice crispy outside while keeping them juicy inside, and it’s a bit faster too! Just remember not to pack your air fryer basket too full – give those meatballs some room to get evenly cooked.
A quick tip: spray your cooking surface with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, and try not to overwork the meat when mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? This recipe is pretty flexible! You can swap ground turkey for the chicken if you prefer. If you’re not a fan of Frank’s Hot Sauce, try another buffalo-style sauce – just adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
For the dip, if blue cheese isn’t your thing, try ranch-style by mixing the Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning instead. Need it gluten-free? Replace the panko with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These buffalo chicken meatballs make amazing appetizers for game day or parties! Stick some toothpicks in them and serve with the blue cheese dip on the side.
Want to make it a meal? Pop them on a bed of crisp lettuce with extra celery sticks and carrots for a fun buffalo chicken salad. They’re also great in slider buns with some extra hot sauce and a dollop of the dip. Don’t forget to have some cold drinks nearby – these pack a punch!
Storage Tips
Made too many? No problem! These meatballs keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them after cooking – just let them cool completely, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.
They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven or air fryer until heated through. The dip stays fresh in the fridge for about 4-5 days in an airtight container.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except chicken, in a bowl and mix until combined. Add chicken and gently mix until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form into 30 small meatballs (about two teaspoons size).
- Air Fry (recommended): Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees. Spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and cook meatballs (may need to in batches) for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through (165 degrees).
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet ½ inch apart and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through (165 degrees).
- Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip: Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
