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Baked Buffalo Chicken Meatballs


  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

  • Instructions

    1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7. Serve immediately: These meatballs are best served warm, fresh out of the sauce.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving

    Keywords: chicken meatballs, buffalo chicken, healthy meatballs, game day appetizer, easy dinner, baked chicken, weeknight meal, meal prep, spicy chicken, lean protein