Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

These baked buffalo chicken meatballs are a fantastic solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful yet healthy.

They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for a quick family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day. The combination of lean ground chicken and zesty buffalo sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s both delicious and guilt-free.

Whether you’re looking for a new staple for your meal rotation or a simple snack to share, these meatballs deliver. They come together with minimal fuss and cook up beautifully in the oven, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone seeking a balance of taste, health, and convenience. It’s perfect for busy parents, health-conscious individuals, or anyone who enjoys a kick of flavor without the deep-fried guilt. The use of lean ground chicken keeps the fat content down, while baking instead of frying further enhances its healthy profile. You can serve these meatballs as a main course alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, or as a fun appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces. They’re also excellent for meal prepping, as they reheat beautifully and can be enjoyed throughout the week. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, using common ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible even for novice cooks.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these buffalo chicken meatballs is simple, as most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant flavors it delivers with minimal effort.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean or higher)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

For the breadcrumbs, you can use either panko for a slightly crispier texture or regular breadcrumbs for a softer meatball. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, many brands offer gluten-free breadcrumbs that work just as well. The Greek yogurt helps keep the meatballs moist and tender; if you don’t have plain Greek yogurt, a little milk or even a touch of sour cream can work in a pinch, though the yogurt adds a nice tang. For the buffalo sauce, choose a brand you enjoy – mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preferred spice level. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a classic choice that delivers consistent flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is genuinely quick, making it ideal for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making these healthy buffalo chicken meatballs is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful results every time.

1. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, egg, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
3. Form the meatballs: Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each meatball and roll it gently between your palms to form a uniform ball. Aim for roughly 1-inch meatballs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely and adds a little extra moisture.
5. Bake the meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and lightly golden brown.
6. Toss in buffalo sauce: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven. In a separate large bowl, pour in your buffalo sauce. Add the hot meatballs to the bowl and gently toss them until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Serve immediately: These meatballs are best served warm, fresh out of the sauce.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These buffalo chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a milder flavor, you can use less buffalo sauce or opt for a “mild” variety. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or choose a “hot” buffalo sauce.

For a kid-friendly version, you might consider serving some of the meatballs plain or with a milder sauce like barbecue sauce, before tossing the rest in buffalo sauce. Kids often enjoy dipping, so offering ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is a great idea.

When serving as an appetizer for a party or game day, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo experience. For a complete meal, these meatballs are fantastic served over a bed of brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. They also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or even tucked into a whole wheat pita with some shredded lettuce and a drizzle of dressing.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can ensure your buffalo chicken meatballs turn out perfectly every time.

• Overmixing the meatball mixture: This is a common mistake that can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Gentle hands are key here.
• Not lining the baking sheet: Without parchment paper or a silicone mat, your meatballs might stick to the pan, making them difficult to remove and potentially tearing them apart. Don’t skip this step for easy cleanup and intact meatballs.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: If the meatballs are too close together on the baking sheet, they will steam instead of bake and brown properly. Give them enough space to allow for even cooking and a nice golden exterior.
• Not cooking to temperature: Ground chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure they are fully cooked without drying them out.
• Adding sauce before baking: While some recipes call for baking in sauce, for these buffalo chicken meatballs, tossing them in the sauce *after* baking ensures they are fully coated and prevents the sauce from burning or becoming too thick during the cooking process.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These healthy buffalo chicken meatballs are excellent for meal prepping and can be stored and reheated without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Storage: Once cooked and coated in sauce, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Microwave: Place a portion of meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Oven: For a crispier texture, spread the meatballs on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently warm the meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra buffalo sauce if they seem dry.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time. Form the meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the meatballs completely, let them cool, and then store them (without sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat and toss in warm buffalo sauce.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Both lean ground chicken and turkey will yield similar healthy and flavorful results.

How can I make

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.