Touchdown Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Touchdown These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a total gamechanger Easy baked chicken meatballs with a spicy kick perfect for game day appetizers or a quick meal Get the recipe now ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Ever get a craving for wings but want something a bit different? Maybe less messy? I know, I know , blasphemy, right? Honestly, though, sometimes I just want all that buffalo flavour in a bite-sized package! That's where these Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs come in.
They're packing heat.
Why These Spicy Meatballs Rock
These Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs are a nod to the American classic. They are game day appetizers. Buffalo wings, but easier to eat.
Perfect for sharing with friends. The kick of the hot sauce combined with chicken is amazing.
This chicken meatball recipe is seriously easy. It will take less than an hour from start to finish. The recipe makes about 24 meatballs. It is enough to feed a crowd.
Benefit of Meatballs
These little guys have plenty of protein from the chicken. They're also baked, so they're healthier than frying. Perfect as chicken appetizers for party .
This easy meatball recipe will become your new go-to. Honestly, I am not joking.
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Touchdown Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Arsenal
So, you’re ready to make some Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs . Awesome! First, let's gather our gear. Trust me, being prepped makes this so much easier.
It's like getting your ducks in a row, but for deliciousness.
Main Players: What You Need
Here’s the breakdown of everything you'll need. Let's break it down, American style.
Ground Chicken: 1 lb (that's 454g for our friends across the pond). Quality chicken is key. Look for a pink color, not grey, and check the sell-by date.
Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup ( 50g ). Panko gives the meatballs a light, airy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup ( 25g ), grated. Adds a lovely savoury note.
Egg: 1 large. It binds everything together.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
Green Onions: 2 tbsp, finely chopped. These add a nice fresh bite.
Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp . Gives it that lovely smoky depth.
Cayenne Pepper: ½ tsp . Adjust to your spice preference. Honestly, I sometimes add a little bit more!
Salt and Pepper: ½ tsp each. Seasoning is crucial!
Buffalo Sauce time
- Hot Sauce: ½ cup ( 120ml ). Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but feel free to use your favourite.
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tbsp ( 42g ). Adds richness.
- Honey: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Optional, but it balances the heat so nicely.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tsp ( 5ml ). Adds a bit of umami.
Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Secrets
Let's talk about the flavor! The smoked paprika and cayenne pepper are the stars here. You can definitely tweak the cayenne.
Like it hot ? Add more! Want it mild? Reduce it. For a bit more oomph, try adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder.
A little dried oregano also rocks. If you're out of Worcestershire, a splash of soy sauce works too.
Essential Tools: Equipment
Good news, this is pretty straightforward. You’ll need:
Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the meatball ingredients.
Baking Sheet: For baking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat : Prevents sticking.
Small Saucepan: For making the buffalo sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Get precise!
You can use a regular spoon to shape the meatballs or, if you are like me and want all the meatballs the same size, use a cookie scoop.
Now, let's get cookin' those Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs ! These chicken appetizers for party will be a hit. Looking for Buffalo chicken wings alternative , this is the way to go!.
An Easy meatball recipe !

Get Ready to Rumble: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Fancy a proper alternative to buffalo chicken wings for your next game day bash? Look no further! These Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs are your answer.
They're seriously addictive little flavour bombs that'll have everyone reaching for seconds. Honestly, I whipped up a batch last weekend, and they were gone in minutes.
No joke! Think of them as an easy meatball recipe but with a spicy twist.
Prep Steps for a Flavour Knockout
Before we dive in, let's get organised. This is my essential mise en place . First, measure out all your ingredients.
Chop the green onions and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the whole process so much smoother.
I promise! Think of this step like lining up your football team before the game.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This prevents the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Remember, a clean workspace is a happy workspace.
Step-by-Step Meatball Mayhem
- Combine 1 lb ground chicken, ½ cup panko, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp green onions, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper in the bowl. Gently mix. Overmixing creates tough meatballs.
- Shape into 1-1.5 inch meatballs. My tip? Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. Place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18- 20 minutes . Ensure they're cooked through – aim for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
- While baking, melt 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in ½ cup hot sauce, 1 tbsp honey (optional), and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 1 minute. This is where the magic happens!
- Toss the baked meatballs in the hot sauce . Ensure they’re coated evenly. These baked chicken meatballs are ready to rock.
Pro Tips for a Winning Recipe
Don't go overboard with the cayenne pepper. A little goes a long way. Hot sauce recipes often need tweaking. Start small and taste as you go.
Another tip? These spicy meatball appetizers are fantastic as buffalo chicken sliders . Just pop them into mini buns with some blue cheese dressing.
If you're prepping for a party, you can make the meatball mixture ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to roll.
Need chicken appetizers for party fast? These are your new go-to. I think the Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs are the best Chicken meatball recipe on the internet.
Don't tell anyone I said that!
Recipe Notes for Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
So, you're about to dive into making these totally addictive Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs ? Awesome! Before you get started, let’s chat about a few little things to make sure yours are absolutely spot-on.
Honestly, these easy meatball recipe are pretty foolproof, but a few pointers never hurt, right? I even tried to use a gluten free alternative once to the panko breadcrumbs and it worked out really well.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Meatballs
These aren’t just any old chicken appetizers for party . They're spicy meatball appetizers that deserve a proper presentation. Think about it: you've put in the effort, so let's make them look amazing!
For plating, arrange them artfully on a platter. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with classic celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Elevate your Buffalo chicken wings alternative experience.
On the side? How about some sweet potato fries to balance the heat? A crisp coleslaw is always a winner, too.
For drinks, a cold beer is the way to go. It's like the unspoken law of game day appetizers .
Storage Tips: Keepin’ it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Honestly, I've never managed to have any spicy buffalo chicken meatballs left.
Pop the meatballs in an airtight container and into the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
Freezing? Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet first. Then, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, or nuke them for a quick fix.
I prefer the oven, keeps them from going rubbery.
Variations: Make 'Em Your Own
Feel like getting creative? Go for it! This chicken meatball recipe is super versatile.
Want to make them healthier? Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour. This works as great alternative for those on gluten free diets, or those looking to change it up.
For a seasonal twist, add some roasted butternut squash puree to the meatball mix in the autumn for a slightly sweet, earthy note. Baked chicken meatballs are the best!
If you like a sweeter flavor profile. Reduce the amount of hot sauce recipes and increase the honey for a sweeter glaze.
Or if you're feeling totally extra, try adding some cheddar or mozzarella to the middle of the meatballs! A great filling to your Buffalo chicken sliders .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Each serving (around 2 meatballs) packs a decent punch of protein, about 12g, which is great for keeping you full. They are a solid source of Vitamin A and C.
Just remember, that buffalo sauce has some sodium. So, maybe go easy on the extra salt elsewhere. All in all, these spicy buffalo chicken meatballs are a delicious and reasonably healthy snack or meal option.
Alright, get cooking and enjoy! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Have fun and make it your own. And hey, if you mess up? So what! You still get to eat spicy buffalo chicken meatballs at the end, so it's a win-win.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs (baked, but un-sauced) up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them and toss with the buffalo sauce. This is a great way to get ahead for game day – less stress, more cheering!
How do I store leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
Leftover meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven (at a low temperature to prevent drying out), or even in a skillet. They're perfect for a quick lunch the next day – like a spicy meatball sub!
Can I freeze Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
Yes, freezing is a great option for longer storage! Let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They'll last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving, and toss with freshly made buffalo sauce for the best flavor. Just like a ready meal, but better!
How can I make these meatballs less spicy? My family isn't keen on too much heat.
No worries, we can tame the flames! The cayenne pepper is the main source of heat, so start with just a pinch or omit it altogether. You can also use a milder hot sauce. A little honey in the buffalo sauce can also balance the spice. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't easily take it away, so start slow.
I don’t have panko breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs for these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
You can definitely use regular breadcrumbs as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different. Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter, which helps create a more tender meatball. Regular breadcrumbs tend to be finer and can make the meatballs a bit denser. If using regular breadcrumbs, you might want to use slightly less (start with 1/4 cup) to avoid a dry meatball.
Are there any healthy substitutions I can make to lighten up these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
Sure thing! You could swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or even lean ground beef. Using whole wheat panko instead of regular can add a bit more fibre. And if you're really watching your fat intake, consider using a butter alternative for the sauce, and baking the meatballs on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow any excess fat to drip away. Every little helps, as they say!