These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are my favorite game day appetizers! Mostly because they're BAKED in the oven, perfect for stress free entertaining. I use a secret ingredient that will have people RAVING for hours!
Buffalo sauce and tailgating. Is there a better combination?
I think not.
If you love buffalo sauce as much as me, you have to try my Air Fryer Brown Sugar Buffalo Shrimp and my Buffalo Ranch Wings.
This recipe for buffalo chicken meatballs is as simple as it gets and pretty foolproof! I love how I can make them in advance and not worry about cleaning up a greasy mess.
Ingredient Tips
The ingredients are super simple and very straightforward. I do include one secret ingredient that I think is a MUST.
- Hot Sauce- I love Frank's RedHot Sauce. It is found in any food store around here and the perfect consistency for this sauce.
- Brown Sugar- YES!! This is my secret ingredient. It adds a deeper flavor than honey or sugar but if you don't have it on hand, you can replace it with either of those two swaps.
- Ground Chicken- You can also use ground turkey, beef or pork.
- Butter- All buffalo sauces have butter in them. If you don't like sauces too spicy, add more butter. If you want them more spicy, use less.
- Scallions/Chives- The fresh ingredient aspect is so important in this appetizer. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top and it immediately brightens the dish while adding a pop of flavor.
Throwing a football party? Check out these easy Football Tablescape food and decor ideas!
Rolling Your Meatballs
I suggest using a mini ice cream scooper to ensure your meatballs are all uniform. If they're similar size, they will cook more evenly. Then use the palms of your hands to roll them out.
Tip: Ground chicken is pretty sticky. Wetting your palms will help to roll them out without a mess.
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Aleka's Tips
- Use a mini ice cream scooper to roll balls evenly and consistent in size.
- Prevent dry meatballs by not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- To get perfectly rounded meatballs, pop your meatballs in the freezer for 30 minutes, until the harden a bit, then re-roll them.
- Replace the honey for the brown sugar if you prefer.
- Use parchment paper to prevent your meatballs from sticking.
What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- On a Platter: Pile up the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Toss in some celery and carrot sticks on the side, and don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese for dipping!
- In Slider Buns: Turn them into mini sliders! Pop the meatballs into slider buns, add a slice of cheddar, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese, and some crispy lettuce. Instant crowd-pleasers.
- Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For a heartier vibe, serve the meatballs over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice. Pour on some extra buffalo sauce, and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and fresh herbs.
- In a Salad: Throw the meatballs into a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. A lighter, but still awesome, way to enjoy that buffalo kick.
- Buffalo Meatball Skewers: Skewer those meatballs with grilled veggies like bell peppers and onions. It’s a fun twist that makes for a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Can I Freeze These To Make Ahead of Time?
Yep!
Here’s what I do: I bake a big batch of meatballs—like 2-3 lbs of chicken—then freeze them. When game day rolls around (or whenever you’re ready), just pull them out in the morning and toss them in the slow cooker with that delicious brown sugar buffalo sauce.
By the time the game starts, the meatballs are perfectly warmed through. Just give them about 90 minutes to defrost and heat up.
If you try these buffalo chicken meatballs, please consider leaving a comment or review below!
Popular Buffalo Sauce Appetizers
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📖 Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs In The Oven
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1 stick Finely Chopped Celery
- ¼ cup Grated Onion
- 1 large Egg
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
Brown Sugar Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup Hot Sauce
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ stick Salted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- Option 1: Add all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.Option 2: If you don't feel like chopping the celery or grating the onion, add everything but the meat and breadcrumbs to a food processor and pulse until pureed. Then add to meat and breadcrumbs in large bowl to the puree and mix until combined.
- Using a mini ice cream scoop (about 1 oz.) for consistency, scoop meatballs onto large greased baking sheet or one with parchment paper. Bake at for 12-15 minutes on middle rack. (I do not turn them but you can halfway if you want more even browning.)
- In the meantime, add the melted butter, hot sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes or so). Use a whisk to remove any lumps.
- Option 1: When the meatballs are ready, toss them in the brown sugar hot sauce nad serve warm.Option 2: Add meatballs to a slow cooker along with the sauce. Set to warm and allow guests to serve themselves. *See note below.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side! Skewers are optional!
Recipe Notes
- Place skewers/toothpicks in a small shot glass and allow guests to grab them as they please!
- These freeze well so make ahead of time, allow to cool, and place in plastic bag or Tupperware until you need them! Then just warm up in a 350 F oven OR throw the cooked meatballs straight from the freezer in a crock-pot, add sauce and turn on "warm"!
Sally
Aleka, love your sauce!! It was not too hot, really just perfect. Addictive! Everyone LOVED them. They were the hit of the party. In fact a neighbor asked me to do the same thing for her son's graduation party. I used my own meatball recipe, a triple batch (3 pounds meat). Made some light meat turkey and some dark. I tripled your sauce batch and needed just a bit more to do as you say and "drench" them. I like that the sauce really sticks to the meatballs. Thanks for a great recipe!
Aleka Shunk
Thanks so so much for your review Sally!! That makes me happy! 🙂
sally
Hey Aleka! I am making my meatball recipe for a Superbowl party but was thinking about something different than my usual Hoisin or teriyaki sauce. Of course I knew you'd have a buffalo sauce recipe. I know what's in it but I've never made it because I am really heat sensitive. Is it super hot? I used to love Franks, have not had it for awhile. Might be time for another bottle and give it a try for this party.
Aleka Shunk
Hi Sally! No it is not super hot. The butter and brown sugar dial down the heat tremendously. Let me know how they turn out!
Adrienne
These are easy and SO delicious! Can’t wait to serve them to our guests!
Aleka Shunk
Thanks Adrienne!! I hope everyone enjoyed them! 🙂
Linda
These sound terrific. Will make the meatballs ahead and freeze.
How long g does the sauce last. Can I make it ahead of time as well?
Aleka Shunk
It can last 3-4 days and yes you can!
Marie
I'm always looking for make-ahead appy ideas for the holiday gatherings. I tried these this week to see if I'd like them enough to bring to our Christmas eve celebration. They are delicious! Thanks for the recipe. I'll be checking out more on your site, Aleka. Sending blessings for a lovely holiday season...
Aleka Shunk
Thanks so much Marie! Glad you liked them!
Heidi
These are AMAZING! I brought them to a Super Bowl party and everyone loved them! Definitely will make again.
Aleka Shunk
I'm so glad everyone liked the meatballs! The Super Bowl is a perfect party to bring them out! Thank you for your nice comment!
Emily
I'm saving this recipe for the party season, it looks SO good!!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out F
My Badgers have their home opener tonight, and these meatballs will be PERFECT. There IS nothing better than the aroma of Mr. Crockpot hard at work in the kitchen, and I can't wait to fire him up with these meatballs! I love the scattering of scallions on top for serving. I'm definitely a blue cheese girl, but my kids are devout ranch dressing eaters, so I'll be setting out both—with some celery sticks!
Bite Sized Kitchen
Lol! Thanks Michelle! That's a good idea!
Patty
Looks so delicious, great food for entertaining!
Bite Sized Kitchen
Yes they most certainly are!! Thanks Patty!
Brittany
I want to try this recipe but need a lactose free alternative to butter. What do you think about coconut oil?
Bite Sized Kitchen
Hi Brittany! Good question. Coconut oil is my favorite but I can't say it would add much flavor to the sauce like butter does. Have you thought about using, 'Ghee', 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' or 'Smart Balance'? Ghee is just clarified butter, so there are no milk solids. This would be my 1st recommendation for the tastiest sauce. The other two are butter substitutes, both dairy free and the closest thing to butter that I have found that is also available in most grocers! Let me know what you choose and how it goes so I can add it to the recipes notes!!
Brittany
I want to try this recipe but need a lactose free alternative to butter. What do you think about coconut oil?
Bite Sized Kitchen
Hi Brittany! Good question. Coconut oil is my favorite but I can't say it would add much flavor to the sauce like butter does. Have you thought about using, 'Ghee', 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' or 'Smart Balance'? Ghee is just clarified butter, so there are no milk solids. This would be my 1st recommendation for the tastiest sauce. The other two are butter substitutes, both dairy free and the closest thing to butter that I have found that is also available in most grocers! Let me know what you choose and how it goes so I can add it to the recipes notes!!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
My Badgers have their home opener tonight, and these meatballs will be PERFECT. There IS nothing better than the aroma of Mr. Crockpot hard at work in the kitchen, and I can't wait to fire him up with these meatballs! I love the scattering of scallions on top for serving. I'm definitely a blue cheese girl, but my kids are devout ranch dressing eaters, so I'll be setting out both—with some celery sticks!
Bite Sized Kitchen
Lol! Thanks Michelle! That's a good idea!
Patty
Looks so delicious, great food for entertaining!
Bite Sized Kitchen
Yes they most certainly are!! Thanks Patty!
Emily
I'm saving this recipe for the party season, it looks SO good!!
Bite Sized Kitchen
🙂 Let me know how they turn out if you end up making them!