Buffalo Chicken Meatballs – an easy meatball recipe for a perfect bite-sized appetizer or a satisfying side. Turn them into a healthy family dinner by serving with rice and vegetables. These homemade meatballs are also a great way to use leftover chicken—just add buffalo sauce and you’re ready to go.
A Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatball Appetizer
This recipe is simple, adaptable, and full of flavor. Serve the meatballs as a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, an elegant party appetizer, or a quick weeknight meal with a side of rice and veggies. It’s a lighter twist on classic fried buffalo wings, delivering the spicy, tangy taste you love with fewer calories. For me, that makes these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs even better than the original.
Spicy Ground Chicken Meatball Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs give you all the flavor of buffalo chicken with only about 15 minutes of prep. Mix a few simple ingredients with ground chicken, form into meatballs, brown briefly, then finish in a slow cooker tossed with buffalo sauce. After two hours on low, they’re ready to serve. The recipe stores well in a slow cooker to keep warm until guests arrive, making it ideal for parties.
If you have a few extra minutes, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 4–5 minutes until their sides are browned. This step enhances flavor and helps the meatballs keep their shape while cooking, but if you’re short on time you can skip it—they’ll still be delicious.
Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Author: Vera Z.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Oven / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are an easy, flavorful option for appetizers, sides, or a healthier dinner. They’re ideal for using leftover chicken—just combine with spices, breadcrumbs, and buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy result.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the ground chicken, egg, and sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper and mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into approximately 1¼-inch meatballs (about 24 meatballs).
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 4–5 minutes, just until the sides start to brown. This step is optional but helps keep their shape and adds flavor.
- Transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker, pour in the buffalo sauce, and gently toss to coat. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, or until heated through.
Looking for more inspiration? Browse more slow cooker recipes on the site for additional easy and delicious ideas.