Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Name: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup buffalo sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Are you ready to spice up your meal times? These buffalo chicken meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, combining juicy chicken with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, they offer a delightful kick that will satisfy any craving. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (about 4 meatballs) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g protein, 12g fat, and 18g carbohydrates. This is based on standard ingredients and serves one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add the egg and buffalo sauce to the mixture.
4. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden.
8. Drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the meatballs before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions.
10. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for a different flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Adjust the level of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.

Serving and Pairings

These buffalo chicken meatballs pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They also make a great topping for salads or are perfect served over rice.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover buffalo chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to three months.

Cooking Mistakes

Using too much buffalo sauce can make the meatballs overly spicy.
Not mixing the ingredients thoroughly can result in uneven flavor.
Overcooking the meatballs can lead to dryness; check for doneness early.
Not preheating the oven might affect cooking time.
Using cold ingredients can lead to a poor texture; let them come to room temperature first.

Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños to the mixture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F (74°C).
Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite.
Make mini meatballs for appetizers at parties.

FAQs

Can I make buffalo chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them just before serving for the best taste and texture.

What can I serve with buffalo chicken meatballs?

These meatballs are great with celery and carrot sticks, or you can serve them over a bed of rice or salad for a complete meal.

How do I make them less spicy?

To reduce the heat, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder wing sauce. Adding more breadcrumbs can also help balance the spice.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option and still achieves a deliciously crispy exterior.

How can I tell when they are done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer to check if they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, they should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken meatballs are a fantastic dish that combines bold flavors with a satisfying texture. Perfect for gatherings or as a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Give them a try, and enjoy the spicy goodness!