Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs—where spicy meets savory in a delightful dish that’s sure to become your next family favorite. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs bursting with the classic tang of Frank’s Red Hot sauce, brought to life with a creamy ranch twist. The aroma of sizzling chicken fills your kitchen, evoking nostalgic memories of game days and casual get-togethers, while the spices dance in the air, tempting even the pickiest of eaters. This fast, kid-friendly recipe not only satisfies those late-night cravings but also brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Why wait for the next gathering? These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are set to make a splash at any occasion, proving that delicious doesn’t always have to mean time-consuming.

What’s Your Favorite Game-Day Flavor?

Have you ever been caught in the moment, craving that irresistibly spicy kick that only Buffalo sauce can satisfy? It’s that familiar flavor that takes you right back to tailgating with friends, sharing laughter and platefuls of delicious bites. Or perhaps it’s a cozy night at home, the warmth of the oven mingling with the spicy aroma wafting through the air that makes you feel nostalgic. Picture yourself taking that first, juicy bite, the tender meatball bursting with flavor, and how it makes everything better. How do you like to spice up your gatherings? That’s the magic of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs—perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs checks all the boxes:

• Easy Prep: You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can prepare these meatballs, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their spicy flavor and creamy texture, they’re universally loved and perfect for gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredients: Simple ingredients come together to create an explosion of flavor without the fuss.
• Kid-Friendly: Spice levels can easily be adjusted, so even the youngest family members can enjoy.

Embrace this versatile dish to elevate any meal or snack time.

Ingredients

Gather these scrumptious ingredients for a savory journey that starts right in your kitchen:

• 1 pound ground chicken: Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect base for your meatballs.
• 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent that brings everything together beautifully.
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates that delightful crunch in every bite, enhancing the texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor that elevates your meatballs.
• 1 tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: The classic fiery sauce that delivers that unmistakable Buffalo flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers an aromatic punch that can’t be resisted.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Another layer of savory goodness that rounds out the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying): Necessary for that perfectly golden exterior on your meatballs.
• Chopped scallions (for serving): These give your dish a fresh color and a touch of crunch on top.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce while enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
• 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: It’s the sauce you’ll use to make that dreamy Buffalo coating.
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: Creamy and herbaceous, this brings a wonderful balance.
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and adds another layer of flavor.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: For an extra creamy finish that perfectly cuts through the spice.

Timing

This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe is fast and indulgent, making dinner prep feel like a breeze. Expect to have these delicious bites within 30-40 minutes! From mixing the ingredients to frying and simmering, every step feels effortless and rewarding. You can impress your friends and family without sacrificing precious time from your day; these meatballs promise convenience and flavor all at once. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or simply treating yourself on a quiet evening.

Step-by-Step

Creating these heavenly Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is a satisfying journey that’s easy to follow:

1. In a prep bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients (excluding the olive oil and scallions). Using your hands, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the mixture should be moist and slightly wet.

2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs—about 20 should pop out of this recipe. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for seamless cleanup.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Let it warm up for a couple of minutes before sliding in your meatballs. Fry them in two batches, ensuring they turn a delightful golden brown, about 5 minutes each. Use tongs for easy flipping; the golden color will come quickly, so keep an eye on them! Add a splash more oil if needed for the second batch.

4. Once browned, move your meatballs to a plate. If there’s excess oil in the skillet, carefully drain it while leaving the tasty browned bits.

5. Remove the skillet from heat for a moment, allowing it to cool. Lower the heat to medium, and toss in the butter, Frank’s Red Hot sauce, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and let it bubble gently for a minute or two.

6. Return your meatballs to the skillet, letting them simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes or until they reach a perfect internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce should have thickened slightly by now.

7. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream gently, mixing until fully incorporated. Serve immediately, topped with chopped scallions for that final fresh touch.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is packed with flavor while still being a manageable indulgence. On average, a serving can clock in around 250-300 calories, depending on portion sizes and any additional ingredients you might include. While they are wonderfully satisfying, it’s good to remember that indulgence in moderation allows room for balance in your diet.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten the load without sacrificing taste, consider these swaps:

• Ground turkey or lean beef: Substitute ground chicken with a leaner protein option that cuts down on fat.
• Whole wheat breadcrumbs: For those wanting extra fiber, whole wheat panko is a fantastic substitute.
• Low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt: Replace sour cream with low-fat alternatives for reduced calories and fat content.
• Sugar-free ranch seasoning: Opt for sugar-free ranch seasoning to keep the flavor without extra sugars.

Serving Suggestions

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are versatile and can fit into numerous dining scenarios:

• Game Day Staple: Perfect finger food to serve with toothpicks and a side of celery sticks for that classic Buffalo wing experience.
• Tasty Appetizers: Serve them at parties with a spicy dipping sauce to keep guests coming back for more.
• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a simple side of veggies or a salad for a wholesome meal.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Transform these meatballs into a hearty dinner by serving them atop rice or pasta, drizzled with leftover sauce.

Common Mistakes

To ensure a successful batch of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, watch out for these pitfalls:

• Overbaking or frying: Keep a close watch on cooking times; overcooked meatballs can turn dry and lose their savory goodness.
• Improper texture: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; doing so can lead to an unwanted dense texture.
• Making a mess: Prepare for a little splatter when frying. A splatter guard can help keep your kitchen clean while providing a crispy finish.

Storing Tips

If you have leftovers (though they might disappear quickly!), here’s how to keep them:

• Freezing Portions: Cooked meatballs freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Instructions: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat in the microwave or sauté on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain their moist texture.

Tempted to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Don’t wait another moment to whip up your batch of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. This recipe combines convenience with crave-worthy flavor, making it a must-try in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply treating yourself, the vibrant aromas and delectable taste will leave everyone wanting more.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute that’s lean and flavorful.

2. How do I adjust the spice level?
   Add less Frank’s Red Hot sauce for milder meatballs, or use a milder hot sauce alternative.

3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them before cooking for a quick meal option later.

4. What can I serve with these meatballs?
   They pair well with a side salad, steamed veggies, or even loaded onto sliders!

5. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
   You can make gluten-free meatballs by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and checking all sauces for gluten content.

Now go ahead, and indulge your cravings with these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!

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