Save These tender chicken meatballs combine ground chicken, aromatic spices, and green onions for a flavorful base. Baked until golden, they are then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce made from butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. Sprinkled with creamy blue cheese and fresh herbs, they deliver a spicy and rich taste experience. Ideal for appetizers or party snacks, these meatballs pair well with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for added freshness.
The first time I brought these to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the platter. She kept asking what the secret was, but honestly, it is just the way the spicy sauce clings to each tender meatball. Now every time I walk in with that baking dish, people start gathering before I even set it down.
Last winter my neighbor texted at 6pm begging for a quick appetizer idea. I talked her through these meatballs over the phone, and she showed up at my door an hour later with an empty container and the biggest grin. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that save the day.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground chicken: The mild base lets all those bold spices shine through
- 1 large egg: Holds everything together without making the texture tough or rubbery
- 60 g breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from getting dense
- 2 cloves garlic: Fresh minced gives you that aromatic punch you just cannot get from powder
- 30 g green onions: Little bursts of freshness that cut through the richness
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds this subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what your secret is
- 60 ml unsalted butter: Creates that silky smooth sauce coating we all dream about
- 80 ml hot sauce: Frank's RedHot is classic but whatever bottle you love will work beautifully
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: The umami bomb your buffalo sauce did not know it needed
- 75 g crumbled blue cheese: Creamy tangy punctuation marks on each spicy meatball
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 200°C and line that baking sheet unless you enjoy scrubbing pans later
- Mix the meatballs:
- Combine everything gently with your hands, overworking makes them tough and nobody wants that
- Shape them up:
- Damp hands are your secret weapon for forming 20 perfect little balls that do not stick
- Bake until golden:
- About 18-20 minutes until they hit that safe 74°C internal temperature we all aim for
- Make the magic sauce:
- Melt butter over low heat then whisk in hot sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic powder until silky smooth
- Coat them well:
- Toss hot meatballs in that sauce until every single one is beautifully glazed
- Finish with style:
- Sprinkle generously with blue cheese and chives then serve with crunchy veggie sticks
Save My sister admitted she ate an entire batch standing at the counter while waiting for her date to arrive. She said she just kept thinking one more bite then suddenly the plate was empty. Sometimes the best cooking memories happen alone in the kitchen.
Make Ahead Magic
I have learned these reheat beautifully if you underbake them slightly initially. Store meatballs and sauce separately then warm them together at 350°F for 10 minutes. They taste just as good as fresh.
The Heat Factor
Not everyone handles spice the same way, so I keep milder hot sauce on hand for sensitive guests. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side for the brave souls who want more fire.
Party Perfect Prep
Double the recipe without doubling your effort. These freeze beautifully before saucing, so make a big batch and keep some in the freezer for unexpected guests or midnight cravings.
- Set up a dipping station with both blue cheese and ranch
- Have extra napkins ready because fingers will get messy
- Consider toothpicks if you want to keep things slightly more civilized
Save These little orbs of joy have become my guaranteed crowd pleaser. Hope they become yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to bake the meatballs evenly?
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Arrange meatballs spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure proper heat circulation and consistent baking. Avoid overcrowding for uniform results.
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?
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Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative without significantly changing the flavor or texture of the meatballs.
- → How spicy are the buffalo meatballs?
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The heat level is moderate, balanced by the creamy blue cheese. Using a hotter sauce or adding cayenne can increase spiciness.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
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Fresh celery and carrot sticks offer a crisp contrast, while creamy dressings complement the spicy and tangy flavors perfectly.
- → How can I store leftovers safely?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
