These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and protein-packed alternative to traditional Buffalo wings. Made with lean ground chicken, celery, carrots, and scallions, these baked meatballs are tossed in spicy Buffalo sauce and optionally topped with blue cheese dressing. They make a great appetizer, game-day snack, or meal prep option while being lower in fat and calories than classic Buffalo wings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 ¼ lbs ground chicken
¼ cup panko crumbs
1 large egg
2 scallions, chopped
⅓ cup finely minced celery
⅓ cup finely minced carrot
1 clove garlic, crushed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⅓ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
¼ cup skinny blue cheese dressing (optional)
Finely chopped celery leaves for garnish (optional)
Oil spray

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray a non-stick baking sheet with oil.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko crumbs, egg, scallions, celery, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Mix well using clean hands until fully combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Roll the mixture into 26 small meatballs (about ⅛ cup each).
Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Step 4: Coat with Buffalo Sauce

Transfer the baked meatballs to a bowl.
Add Buffalo sauce and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, drizzled with blue cheese dressing if desired.
Garnish with finely chopped celery leaves for extra flavor.

Nutrients (Per Meatball – Approximate Values)

Calories: 37 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 26mg
Sodium: 135mg

Why Choose Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Over Traditional Buffalo Wings?

Buffalo wings are undeniably delicious, but they are often deep-fried, high in fat, and messy to eat. These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs provide all the flavor and heat of Buffalo wings but in a healthier, easier-to-eat format. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Healthier Alternative – These meatballs are baked, not fried, making them lower in fat and calories than traditional wings.
High in Protein – With 4g of protein per meatball, they make a great high-protein snack or meal.
Easy to Make – No need to deal with frying—just mix, shape, bake, and toss in Buffalo sauce.
Less Messy – Unlike wings, these meatballs are easy to eat with a fork or toothpick, making them a great party food or meal prep option.
Customizable Heat Level – You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot Buffalo sauce.
Great for Meal Prep – These meatballs store and reheat well, making them a great option for quick lunches or dinners.

What Makes These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs So Flavorful?

Each ingredient in these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs contributes to their incredible flavor and texture:

Ground Chicken – Lean and protein-rich, it provides the perfect base for these meatballs.
Panko Crumbs – Help bind the meatballs together while keeping them light and tender.
Celery & Carrots – These classic Buffalo wing side ingredients are mixed into the meatballs for extra crunch and freshness.
Scallions & Garlic – Add a savory depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Buffalo Sauce – The star of the recipe, adding spicy, tangy heat that makes these meatballs irresistible.
Blue Cheese Dressing (Optional) – A cooling, creamy contrast to the heat of the Buffalo sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly spicy, follow these expert tips:

Use Cold Ground Chicken – Keeping the chicken cold while mixing prevents the meatballs from becoming dense.
Don’t Overwork the Mixture – Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs light and tender.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes – This ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and consistently.
Bake on a Greased Baking Sheet – Prevents the meatballs from sticking and helps create a lightly crispy exterior.
Coat with Buffalo Sauce After Baking – Tossing them in sauce after baking keeps them from getting soggy while locking in the Buffalo flavor.

How to Customize Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

One of the best things about these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is how easy they are to customize. Here are some delicious variations:

Spicy Lovers’ Version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for extra heat.
Mild Version – Use a mild Buffalo sauce or mix the sauce with a bit of melted butter to tone down the spice.
Keto-Friendly Version – Replace the panko crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
Cheesy Buffalo Meatballs – Mix shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese into the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
Air-Fried Buffalo Meatballs – Instead of baking, cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-14 minutes for extra crispiness.

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be served in many ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas:

As an Appetizer – Serve them with toothpicks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
With a Side Salad – Pair with a crisp salad to balance out the heat.
In a Wrap or Sandwich – Stuff them into a pita, tortilla, or hoagie roll with lettuce and extra Buffalo sauce.
Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice – Serve as a meal over a bowl of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a balanced dish.
With Roasted Veggies – Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or bell peppers for a well-rounded plate.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are great for meal prep and can be stored easily for future meals. Here’s how:

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later – Place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions – Warm in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. Toss in fresh Buffalo sauce after reheating for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and gives the meatballs a slightly richer taste.

How can I make these meatballs less spicy?
Use a mild Buffalo sauce or mix it with a little melted butter or honey to balance the heat.

Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking them?
Yes! You can pan-fry them in a light layer of oil over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked.

Do I have to use blue cheese dressing?
No! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, or sour cream for a milder dip.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate spicy, protein-packed alternative to traditional Buffalo wings. They offer the same great flavor but with a healthier, easier-to-eat format. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, game-day snack, or meal, they are quick, simple, and incredibly delicious.

With lean ground chicken, crunchy veggies, and fiery Buffalo sauce, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit different spice levels and dietary needs.

If you’re a fan of Buffalo-flavored dishes, this recipe is a must-try. Whether you make a big batch for meal prep or serve them at a party, these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit!