Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a different take on Buffalo Chicken Wings! Easy to eat and a perfect party appetizer, dipped in ranch or blue cheese dressing!
This post was originally published on December 1, 2009. It has been updated with new photos and additional commentary in November 2020.
I'm having a hard time gearing up for my holiday baking - I guess that's what happens when you leave town for 5+ days! My fridge is void of food and my Google Reader is about to burst at the seams with unread posts. Here's a post until I can get myself organized!
About a month ago, I had this great idea pop into my head - why not toss chicken meatballs in chicken wing sauce for a different spin on buffalo wings?! It combines two of my favorite appetizers, Buffalo Chicken Dip and BBQ Chicken Meatballs.
I got really excited and decided to Google it first to make sure no one has done this before (ok so maybe I'm really naive). Of course, Rachael Ray has! It makes me wonder how many [simple] original ideas are left with teams of people just brainstorming all day about recipes.
Anyway, I decided to just follow her recipe. I have to say, her chicken meatballs aren't anything special, but I love the concept of this recipe, so I thought I'd share. Any meatball recipe will do (and any ground meat for that matter). Another different spin on buffalo wings that are much easier and cleaner to eat!
If you love Buffalo Chicken, check out this Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Gluten Free Option
These meatballs are naturally gluten free! Be sure to check the label on your buffalo sauce for wheat ingredients.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground white meat chicken
- ½ small onion (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- ½ cup parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3 scallions (green and white parts, thinly sliced, optional)
For Serving (optional):
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Celery and carrots sticks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the onion, garlic, and parsley, and season with salt and pepper.1 pound ground white meat chicken, ½ small onion, 2 cloves garlic, ½ cup parsley, chopped
- Fatten out the meat in the bowl and divide it into 4 portions. Shape each portion into 4 meatballs - for a total of 16.
- Arrange the meatballs on a nonstick sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven and bake until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the hot sauce and whisk to combine. Toss the baked meatballs in the hot sauce to coat. Serve with dressing(s) and optional veggies to dip.2 tablespoons butter, ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
Liesl says
Well I love anything Buffalo style and these sound fantastic! And easy too!!! :o) I am thinking this might make a great dinner this week!
By the way...I made your Pumpkin Spice Latte for Thanksgiving Day breakfast...it was a HUGE hit!!! :o)
Bob says
Meh, being organized is overrated. 😉
The meatballs look awesome. I'm not a fan of wings, too much effort for too little return for me. But this is the perfect alternative!
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
I've made chicken meatballs for pasta, but I love the idea of buffalo chicken meatballs.
That would be great to put out for a party!
Thanks for posting the recipe. I have like 2 Rachel Ray cookbooks, I'll have to see if its in one of those!
Anonymous says
That's my sister Jenn above - she told me to check out this recipe. LOVE IT! And you aren't the only one who thinks they have come up with a great idea - happens to me all the time! 😀
CaSaundraLeigh says
What a great concept! I love buffalo wings, except I always make SUCH a mess eating them. These might be a little neater, especially with fun Paris toothpicks 😉
Meghan says
Liesl - I'm so glad you liked the Pumpkin Spice Lattes! That's a great idea to serve them on Thanksgiving morning - I will try that next year! 🙂
Aggie says
OH these are great! I love hot sauce...buffalo sauce...whatever they call it, I love it! Great twist on meatballs and wings, love how you served them and love the toothpick!
Kerstin says
What a creative idea! They look SO tasty and perfect for a holiday party!
camie says
I just made these for dinner and they are insanely good. Thanks for the recipe!