Description
These zesty Buffalo Chicken Meatballs pack incredible flavor from classic wing sauce and tender ground chicken. Ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles complement the spicy protein, creating an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps finely diced celery
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ stick (4 tbsps) (57 g) salted butter
- ¾ cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot)
- Crumbled gorgonzola
- 5–6 stalks celery, cut into sticks
- Celery leaves
Instructions
- Preparation Setup: Warm the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper, lightly misting with nonstick spray for easy release.
- Meatball Mixture: Blend ground chicken, breadcrumbs, diced celery, hot sauce, egg, scallions, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- Shaping and Positioning: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the meat mixture, rolling between palms to create uniform 1-inch spherical meatballs, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing for optimal cooking.
- Roasting Process: Cook meatballs in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, rotating midway, until they reach 165°F internal temperature and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Buffalo Sauce Creation: While meatballs roast, melt unsalted butter in a sauté pan over medium-low heat, whisking in hot sauce until smooth and fully integrated.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer freshly roasted meatballs directly into the buffalo sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
- Presentation: Plate the sauced meatballs on a serving platter, sprinkling with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fresh celery leaves for enhanced flavor and visual dimension.
- Serving Suggestion: Accompany with crisp celery sticks to provide a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to the spicy meatballs.
Notes
- Meat Moisture Control: Mix ingredients gently to prevent overworking ground chicken, which can create dense, tough meatballs.
- Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Sauce Coating Technique: Toss meatballs in buffalo sauce immediately after cooking to maximize flavor absorption and prevent soggy texture.
- Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh gorgonzola and celery leaves just before serving to maintain crisp texture and bright flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg