Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy appetizer or meal option featuring lean ground chicken blended with buffalo sauce, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Baked until juicy and perfectly cooked, they are tossed in additional buffalo sauce for an extra kick and served with a creamy, tangy bleu cheese yogurt dip. This dish is ideal for game day, gatherings, or a tasty weeknight dinner, providing a healthier take on classic buffalo flavors with a protein-packed punch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip
- ½ batch bleu cheese yogurt dip (prepared separately)
For the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground chicken (around 93% lean)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 medium carrot, finely shredded
- 2 tablespoons finely diced green onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Tossing
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
To Garnish
- Diced green onion
- Diced cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip: Start by making the bleu cheese yogurt dip according to your preferred recipe or use a prepared version. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, 3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce, shredded carrot, diced green onion, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into 20 uniform meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring they are cooked through and juicy.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and place them into a large bowl. Gently toss them with ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sauced meatballs to a serving plate. Garnish with diced green onion and cilantro. Serve immediately alongside the bleu cheese yogurt dip and optionally with celery and carrot sticks for a crunchy side.
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground chicken for the best texture and flavor balance in the meatballs.
- Keeping your hands wet when forming the meatballs prevents sticking and makes shaping easier.
- You can adjust the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce depending on your preference.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve with fresh vegetable sticks for added crunch and nutrition.
- The bleu cheese yogurt dip adds a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
