The Juiciest Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Dip Recipe

My kitchen adventures recently led me to discover buffalo chicken meatballs that pack serious flavor punch.

Spicy proteins mixed with zesty seasonings create an irresistible appetizer sensation.

Guests always go wild when these bite-sized delights arrive at the table.

Tender meat blends seamlessly with classic buffalo wing essence, promising a crowd-pleasing experience.

Crispy edges and juicy centers make these meatballs impossible to resist.

Serving them alongside a cool, creamy dip balances the heat perfectly.

Whip up this recipe, and watch everyone dive into a delectable culinary moment.

Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Dip Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean meat that forms the main body of the meatballs, provides protein and flavor.
• Egg: Binds the meatball mixture together and adds moisture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Create a soft, tender texture for the meatballs, helps prevent them from becoming dense.

• Buffalo Sauce: Adds signature spicy and tangy kick to the meatballs.
• Blue Cheese: Optional ingredient that brings sharp, creamy flavor to the mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the meat.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and sharp taste.
• Onion Powder: Offers subtle, consistent onion flavor throughout the meatballs.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth base for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creamy texture.
• Ranch Dressing: Provides herbal and creamy flavor profile.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for extra heat.

• Chives or Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that complements the spicy meatballs.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Meatball Mixture

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Breadcrumbs
• Milk

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to soften.

• Ground chicken
• Egg
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Dip

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the dip by combining all ingredients in a bowl.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli

Cook the broccoli using your preferred method – steaming, roasting, or sautéing – until it reaches a tender-crisp texture.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the cooked broccoli on a serving platter.

Nestle the baked buffalo chicken meatballs on top of the broccoli.

Drizzle the creamy dip generously over the meatballs.

Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and delicious.

Chicken Meatball Tips With Buffalo Kick

• Select high-quality ground chicken with a lean-to-fat ratio around 85/15 for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
• Mix meatball ingredients softly to prevent tough, dense texture and maintain a light, tender result when baking.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to customize heat intensity, using mild sauce for kids or extra-hot sauce for spice lovers.
• Shape meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal preparation.
• Swap blue cheese for ranch or greek yogurt in the creamy dip to accommodate different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Meatballs Stored With That Dip in Mind

• Store leftover meatballs and dip in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm meatballs on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Reheat meatballs in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Crisp Sides For Chicken Meatballs

• Pair Spicy Buffalo Meatballs with Crisp Beer Selections: Refreshing light lagers or hoppy IPAs cut through the spicy buffalo sauce and cleanse the palate perfectly.
• Complement with Cool Creamy Beverage: Creamy blue cheese-based milkshake or tangy buttermilk drink balances the heat and provides soothing contrast to the meatballs.
• Create Harmony with Fresh Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens with cucumber and light vinaigrette offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spicy buffalo chicken meatballs, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
• Enhance with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity helps neutralize the buffalo sauce's heat while complementing the meatballs' robust flavor profile.

Chicken Meatball Sauce Styles

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Replace ground chicken with mashed cauliflower and breadcrumbs, using plant-based buffalo sauce for a meat-free alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Almond Flour Meatballs: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour, use low-carb buffalo sauce, and serve with a cream cheese-based dip to reduce carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Meatballs: Substitute breadcrumbs with cooked quinoa, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Zucchini Meatballs: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, replace milk with unsweetened almond milk, and create a coconut cream-based dip for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. The flavor and texture will be very similar, making it an easy swap.

• How spicy are these buffalo chicken meatballs?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce for more kick. You can always control the spiciness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not exactly. The breadcrumbs contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a replacement. This will help those with gluten sensitivities enjoy the recipe.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, bake them and store cooked meatballs in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, reheating when ready to serve.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Creamy Dip That Hit The Spot

• Elevate Game Day Bites: Discover why these buffalo chicken meatballs will become your new favorite appetizer!
• Whip Up Quickly: Preparation takes just 15 minutes, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous gatherings or busy weeknights.
• Customize with Ease: Swap buffalo sauce intensity, choose different dip variations, or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Lean ground chicken delivers delicious flavor while providing a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers, satisfying both nutrition and taste lovers.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs dance with zesty flavor, bringing intense heat and comfort to your plate. Crispy edges and juicy centers make this crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings you’ll devour with pure excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken (or a mix of chicken and turkey)
• 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles (optional)

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (Franks RedHot or similar)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Dip Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving Ingredients:

• Cooked broccoli florets
• Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients, ensuring ground chicken is at a cool temperature and other components are readily accessible.
2. Create a moisture-rich base for meatballs by blending breadcrumbs with milk, allowing them to absorb liquid and enhance texture.
3. Incorporate ground chicken with breadcrumb mixture, introducing buffalo sauce, blue cheese, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor profile.
4. Gently fold ingredients together, avoiding overworking the meat to maintain tenderness and prevent dense meatballs.
5. Shape mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent cooking.
6. Position meatballs on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote uniform heat distribution.
7. Roast in preheated oven at 375°F, monitoring internal temperature and exterior coloration for optimal doneness.
8. Simultaneously prepare creamy dip by whisking ingredients until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency.
9. Calibrate dip’s seasoning, balancing flavors with subtle salt and pepper adjustments.
10. Select preferred broccoli preparation method – steaming, roasting, or sautéing – to achieve tender-crisp texture.
11. Plate broccoli as foundational layer, strategically arranging buffalo chicken meatballs atop verdant vegetable base.
12. Drizzle creamy dip generously over meatballs, enhancing visual appeal and flavor complexity.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for aromatic finish and elegant presentation.
14. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity of dish.

Notes

• Ensure meatballs are uniformly sized for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Use lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs moist without excess grease.
• Add extra buffalo sauce for heat lovers or reduce for milder palates.
• Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs by avoiding overmixing.
• Swap blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for alternative flavor profiles.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee chicken is fully cooked.
• Make ahead and reheat gently to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.
• Opt for Greek yogurt in the dip for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative to sour cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg