Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Posted on February 28, 2026

Game-day flavor in bite-sized form!

introduction

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect spicy, tangy little bites that make weeknights and party platters equally happy. These tender meatballs pack big Buffalo flavor with simple pantry ingredients and a fast bake, so you can get dinner on the table without fuss. If you love bold, saucy meals for quick meal prep, try pairing them with a warm bowl version like Buffalo chicken bowls for a hearty weeknight twist.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs :

Big, bold Buffalo flavor in every bite — tangy, spicy, and addictive.
Fast to make and oven-baked for hands-off cooking.
Great for meal prep: cool, store, and reheat for lunches all week.
Kid-friendly if you control the heat — serve with ranch or blue cheese.
Perfect for parties, game day, or a simple dinner that feels special.

Ingredients Needed :

Protein

1 lb ground chicken
1 egg

Binder & Crunch

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh & Aromatics

1/4 cup chopped green onions

Spices & Seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce

1/2 cup Buffalo sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
In a separate bowl, toss the cooked meatballs with Buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot, and enjoy your spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!

Serving Suggestions Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Serve over a simple green salad with celery ribbons and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Make sliders on small rolls with crisp lettuce for a party platter.
Use leftovers in grain bowls for an easy lunch the next day.
Tuck them in warm tortillas or pita pockets for handhelds — or try wrapping them into a quick handheld like Buffalo chicken wraps for a lunch that travels well.

Tips for SuccessBuffalo Chicken Meatballs

Don’t overwork the mixture — mix until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
Uniform size matters: use a small cookie scoop or measure to get even cooking.
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking — watch closely.
To make them crispier, finish meatballs in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side after baking.
If you want a saucy handheld, warm the sauce briefly and toss just before serving to keep meatballs juicy and coated, or turn them into a handheld inspired by spicy buffalo chicken wraps for two.

variation (if any)

Mild version: swap half the Buffalo sauce for melted butter or a milder wing sauce to reduce heat.
Cheesy twist: fold in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or blue cheese bits to the mixture for pockets of melty cheese.
Air-fryer option: cook meatballs at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for a crisp finish.
Party dip idea: serve meatballs with extra Buffalo sauce and ranch on the side for dipping, or turn them into a ranch-forward sandwich like a 5-minute crispy chicken ranch wrap magic for a fun swap.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
A: Yes — ground turkey is a great substitute. Beef will change the flavor but works if you prefer it.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Absolutely. Freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the time.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with these?
A: Classic choices are ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra Buffalo sauce for those who want more heat.