Name: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489173H3M49S
Total time: PT-489173H3M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper; ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt; ½ cup Italian herb seasoned bread crumbs; ½ cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (plus more for garnish); ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for drizzling); Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling; Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for garnish)

I absolutely love sharing this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that delivers big flavor without a ton of fuss. These meatballs are perfectly spicy, incredibly juicy, and totally addictive, making them my go-to for game days, parties, or just a fun weeknight meal. Every time I make them, the house fills with that irresistible buffalo aroma, and I can’t wait to dig in alongside friends or family. Trust me, if you love buffalo wings but want a less messy, more snackable option, these meatballs are going to be your new favorite!

Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

What I really adore about this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is the incredible ease paired with explosive flavor. The meatballs are juicy and tender, with a perfect kick from the buffalo sauce that hits just the right spot without being overwhelming. The subtle heat from the cayenne pepper mixed with the garlicky undertones makes every bite so satisfying. It’s like having all the best parts of buffalo wings in a neat, bite-sized package.

I also appreciate how quick and straightforward these meatballs are to prepare. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro or spend hours in the kitchen to make something impressive. The ingredients are simple, and the method is foolproof, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your company or relax while they bake. I often whip these up when I’m short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is its versatility for occasions. Whether I’m hosting a casual football party, making appetizers for a dinner, or just craving something comforting yet exciting, these meatballs fit the bill perfectly. Their finger-food format makes them incredibly easy to serve, while the vibrant buffalo flavor elevates the moment. Nothing feels more festive or welcoming than a platter full of these spicy gems on the table.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several browned meatballs covered in a creamy orange sauce with a slightly textured surface. The meatballs are arranged closely together, with some small green pieces, likely chopped green onions, sprinkled on top and around them. The sauce pools around the meatballs, adding a rich, smooth, and colorful layer beneath them on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and hearty, with a focus on the creamy sauce and the meatballs' golden-brown, slightly crispy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe come together beautifully to create a balanced flavor and texture profile, with each one playing its part to keep these meatballs tender, flavorful, and perfectly saucy.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Ground chicken: The lean protein base that makes these meatballs light yet satisfying.
Minced garlic: Adds a savory depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle heat that enhances the spicy buffalo flavor without overpowering it.
Coarse black pepper and sea salt: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Italian herb seasoned bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while adding herby notes.
Milk: Keeps the bread crumbs moist, ensuring juicy, tender meatballs.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
Chopped parsley: Gives a fresh pop of color and mild brightness, both inside the meatballs and as garnish.
Buffalo sauce: The star ingredient for that signature spicy and tangy flavor.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy dips that balance the heat and add richness when serving.
Blue cheese crumbles (optional): For an extra touch of bold flavor and texture on top.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. This high heat helps the meatballs cook quickly while giving them a nicely browned, lightly crisp exterior.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread crumbs absorb the milk fully. This step is crucial for making sure the meatballs stay tender and moist.

Step 3: Add the ground chicken, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, coarse black pepper, sea salt, and the egg into the bread crumb mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly but gently to create a uniform mixture without overworking it, which can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4: Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Bake the meatballs in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they’re fully cooked but still juicy inside.

Step 6: Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a bowl and drizzle with ½ cup of buffalo sauce. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly for that vibrant, spicy glaze.

Step 7: Arrange the buffalo-coated meatballs on a serving platter. Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and blue cheese crumbles if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Step 8: Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch them disappear in no time!

Servings and Timing

This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe yields about 20 regular-sized meatballs, perfect for serving a small party or family gathering. The prep time is super quick, around 15 minutes, mostly hands-on mixing and shaping. The cook time is about 10 to 15 minutes in the oven, so you’re looking at a total time of roughly 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time required, but I do like to let them cool just slightly before serving so they’re warm but not too hot to pop in your mouth.

How to Serve This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a colorful meal with five layers. Starting from the top left, there are thin orange carrot ribbons curled on a bed of light brown rice. Below the carrot ribbons, light green celery slices mixed with white coleslaw fill the bottom left of the plate. On the right side, bright green avocado slices are neatly fanned out. In the bottom right, five orange buffalo balls drizzled with white sauce are sprinkled with small green onion pieces and crumbled white cheese. A small white bowl of crumbled white cheese sits in the top right corner of the image near a silver fork on the right side, and half an avocado with its pit on is at the bottom. Scattered green onion pieces decorate the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these buffalo meatballs as a party appetizer, paired with crunchy celery sticks and carrot slices to balance out the heat. A tangy ranch or creamy blue cheese dip on the side is a must for me – it cools down the spice perfectly and adds an extra creamy layer to each bite. For a heartier meal, I like plating them over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside a fresh, crisp salad dressed in something light and citrusy.

When it comes to presentation, I find a large rustic platter sprinkled with extra chopped parsley and a handful of blue cheese crumbles makes these meatballs look as good as they taste. Adding toothpicks for easy grabbing is essential if you’re serving guests, and I often jazz the platter up with some lemon wedges for a subtle zing that everyone can squeeze over their meatballs if they want.

As for drinks, these meatballs pair wonderfully with a chilled lager or crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to contrast the spicy, buttery buffalo sauce. If you prefer cocktails, something citrusy like a whiskey sour really complements the flavors. For non-alcoholic options, an iced lemonade or sparkling water with lime works beautifully. I think they’re just perfect for laid-back game nights, casual get-togethers, or informal family dinners, best enjoyed warm right out of the oven for maximum flavor.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, I swap out the Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, which keeps the texture just as nice without sacrificing any binding power. You can also easily adjust the spice level by changing the buffalo sauce brand or adding extra cayenne pepper if you like it hotter.

If you want to mix up the flavor, try swapping ground chicken for ground turkey or even lean ground beef for a richer taste. For a vegetarian spin, I sometimes use a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils bound with egg and bread crumbs to mimic the texture, then toss them in buffalo sauce for the familiar spicy kick. Cooking methods can also vary; pan-frying the meatballs briefly before baking gives a lovely crust and locks in moisture.

Another fun twist is adding finely chopped green onions or shredded cheddar cheese into the meatball mixture before baking to introduce extra flavor and gooeyness. You can also turn this into sliders by placing the buffalo meatballs inside mini rolls with a drizzle of ranch dressing and some crisp lettuce for an easy handheld meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, making it easy to reheat just what I need without any fuss.

Freezing

This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe freezes really well, which is a lifesaver for meal prep. After baking and cooling completely, place the meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge for quicker cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven or an air fryer to keep the meatballs crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving works for a quick fix but can make the texture a little soft. For best flavor, add a fresh drizzle of buffalo sauce after reheating to revive that signature tang and spice.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs mixture and shape the balls a day in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes game day prep so much easier and stress-free.

What can I substitute for buffalo sauce if I don’t like spicy food?

If you’re sensitive to spice, you can swap buffalo sauce for a mild barbecue sauce or a honey mustard glaze for a sweet and tangy alternative that’s still full of flavor.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees that the ground chicken is cooked through and safe to eat without drying out the meatballs.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, baking is the recommended method here because it’s healthier and easier to manage, plus it prevents the meatballs from becoming greasy. Baking at a high temperature also helps develop a nice crust while keeping them juicy inside.

Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?

Definitely! These meatballs freeze very well, which makes them perfect for batch cooking. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing, and store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe enough for anyone craving a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to for its unbeatable balance of flavor, spice, and convenience. Whether you’re gearing up for a big game, hosting friends, or just want a tasty snack that hits all the right notes, these meatballs are sure to impress. Give them a try—I promise you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!