Get ready to transform your boring meal prep routine into a flavor explosion that'll have your taste buds dancing! These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate game-day inspired dish that's not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs packed with zesty buffalo sauce, perfectly baked to golden perfection, and ready to be devoured with a cool ranch dip. Whether you're a meal prep enthusiast, a buffalo sauce fanatic, or just someone looking for a quick and exciting protein option, these meatballs are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using a fork or clean hands until well incorporated.
- Gently mix in chopped green onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the meat mixture.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Remove meatballs from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle additional buffalo sauce over meatballs if desired, and serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
- For meal prep, allow meatballs to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make the meatballs milder or more intense based on your preference.
- Meal Prep Hack: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Store in individual portions for quick and easy future meals.
- Serving Suggestion: Try different dipping sauces like blue cheese or a homemade aioli for variety.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure consistent cooking and presentation.
- Let Them Rest: Allow meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
