These Buffalo chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and a spicy kick! They’re juicy bites of chicken, coated in a tasty buffalo sauce that will make your taste buds dance!
The real treat is the bleu cheese dip—it’s cool and creamy, making it the perfect match! Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking one or two before serving! 😄
These meatballs are so easy to whip up. I love serving them at parties or game days, and they’re a hit every time. Prepare to have people begging for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This recipe shines with ground chicken, which keeps the meatballs moist. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using ground tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs add texture, but you can swap in panko for a crunchier bite. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal as a great alternative.
Bleu Cheese: The flavor of bleu cheese is key for the dip. If you prefer a milder taste, try feta cheese or goat cheese. For a dairy-free option, use a nut-based cheese.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. For less heat, a milder buffalo sauce or even sriracha can work, relative to your preference.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Moist?
To guarantee juicy meatballs, it’s all about the mix and the baking. Here’s how to keep them moist:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; combine the ingredients just until evenly mixed to avoid tough meatballs.
- Bake at the right temperature—400°F (200°C) allows for a quick cook without drying them out.
- Using ground chicken, which has more moisture than beef or pork, helps keep them juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Bleu Cheese Dip Creamy?
For a smooth bleu cheese dip, follow these tips:
- Start with room temperature sour cream and mayo so they blend easily.
- Crumbled bleu cheese can be mashed with a fork to create a smoother texture before blending into the mix.
- Let the dip chill before serving, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to set.
These tips will help ensure your Buffalo chicken meatballs and bleu cheese dip are a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Bleu Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crumbled bleu cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For The Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For The Bleu Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled bleu cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes for preparation and around 18 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll be looking at approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish—including making the dip and assembling everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
First, let’s get that oven going! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease so the meatballs don’t stick.
2. Make Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, crumbled bleu cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you like it hot. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix or the meatballs might get tough!
3. Form Meatballs:
Now, scoop out some of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly.
4. Bake Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-18 minutes. You want them to be cooked thoroughly and lightly browned on the outside.
5. Prepare Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s whip up that delicious buffalo sauce! In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mix it until smooth, and set aside.
6. Toss Meatballs in Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them until they are nicely coated in that spicy goodness.
7. Make Bleu Cheese Dip:
In another bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled bleu cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. If you like, stir in some fresh chives or green onions. Pop this in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
8. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Arrange the buffalo chicken meatballs on a serving plate, sprinkle with extra bleu cheese and green onions if desired. Serve alongside a bowl of bleu cheese dip and plate up some fresh celery and carrot sticks.
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy these spicy, flavorful meatballs, dipping them in the cool creamy bleu cheese. They make for a fantastic appetizer or snack for any occasion!
This recipe perfectly combines spicy buffalo flavor with creamy bleu cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make time and time again.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before mixing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or for a quicker option, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bake them right before serving for the best texture. Alternatively, cooked meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Sauce?
If hot sauce is not on hand, you can use sriracha or a mild chili sauce as substitutes. Mix in some extra vinegar to mimic the tanginess of hot sauce, or a mix of ketchup and chili powder for a less spicy option.
How Can I Make the Bleu Cheese Dip Healthier?
You can lighten up the bleu cheese dip by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, which will reduce the fat content while adding a nice creaminess. You can also skip the mayo altogether for a simpler dip that still tastes great!
