The combination of ground chicken, almond flour, and bold buffalo sauce creates a spicy and savory bite-sized treat that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice for flavor-packed snacking.
Whether you’re prepping for game night, a weekend potluck, or just a flavorful weeknight dinner, this low-carb dish is ready in just 30 minutes and offers all the zing of classic wings without the mess. Serve them with your favorite dip or enjoy them straight from the pan – they’re irresistible either way!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/4 cup almond flour
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1 large egg
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Optional: blue cheese crumbles and chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, almond flour, egg, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
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Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
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While the meatballs are baking, mix the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter in a large bowl.
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Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until fully coated.
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Serve immediately, garnished with blue cheese crumbles and parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are more than just a trendy finger food they are the ideal fusion of heat, protein, and low-carb convenience. Whether you’re on a ketogenic diet, looking to add more variety to your weekly meal prep, or planning a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, these spicy meatballs pack the punch of buffalo wings in a neater, healthier package.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes these meatballs stand out, how to tailor them to suit various dietary needs, different ways to serve them, and why they’re such a hit among foodies and health-conscious eaters alike.
The Story Behind Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo chicken wings have long been a staple of American cuisine, especially in sports bars and during big games. Invented in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s, the original buffalo wing combined crispy fried chicken wings with a tangy, spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs take that same iconic flavor and bring it to a more adaptable, bite-sized format. Instead of deep-frying wings, this recipe uses lean ground chicken as the base and bakes the meatballs, offering a lighter take on the beloved classic. The result? A snack or entrée that’s easier to make, less messy to eat, and better aligned with today’s health-forward eating habits.
Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor
One of the best aspects of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is their ability to be both indulgent and nutritious. They provide that unmistakable spicy kick and buttery finish without relying on breading or deep-frying.
Here’s what sets them apart health-wise:
- Low in Carbohydrates: Made without breadcrumbs, these meatballs use almond flour to hold everything together. That makes them ideal for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
- High in Protein: With chicken as the primary ingredient, these meatballs offer a solid dose of lean protein to help keep you full and energized.
- Oven-Baked: Unlike traditional buffalo wings, there’s no need for oil-slicked frying here. Baking keeps things light and simplifies cleanup.
- Gluten-Free and Grain-Free: Almond flour replaces traditional fillers, making the dish naturally gluten- and grain-free for those with sensitivities.
This balance of bold taste and nutritional benefit makes them a standout option for health-conscious eaters who refuse to compromise on flavor.
Perfect for Parties, Meal Prep, or Game Day
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not only quick to whip up, but they also lend themselves beautifully to multiple occasions. Here’s how they shine in various scenarios:
1. Game Day Favorite
Need a bite-sized snack that will win over even the pickiest football fan? These meatballs are easy to serve with toothpicks, minimizing mess while maximizing impact. Their spicy, crave-worthy flavor profile makes them a natural match for beer, soda, and sports.
2. Meal Prep Win
Because they store and reheat well, these meatballs are perfect for batch cooking. You can easily double or triple the recipe and portion it into containers for lunches throughout the week. Pair with celery sticks, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even cauliflower rice for a full low-carb meal.
3. Party Appetizer with a Kick
Looking to impress guests at your next gathering? These meatballs can be plated beautifully with dipping sauces, fresh herbs, or served in a slow cooker to keep warm all night. They cater to a wide range of diets, so they’re a great addition to any party spread.
Customizing Your Meatballs
Although the core recipe is delicious as-is, there are several ways to make these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs your own:
Heat Level
Buffalo sauce can vary in intensity. For a mild version, look for sauces labeled “mild” or mix in extra butter to tone down the spice. For spice lovers, go bold with extra hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
Protein Alternatives
Ground chicken is lean and flavorful, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey for a similar nutritional profile. If you’re not avoiding red meat, ground beef or pork can add extra richness.
Keto Upgrades
Add a cube of mozzarella or blue cheese in the center of each meatball before baking for a gooey, cheesy surprise that also adds fat—great for keto macros.
Herb Boost
Want to elevate the flavor further? Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives to the mixture for a burst of freshness.
Dipping Sauce & Pairing Ideas
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are fantastic on their own, but the right accompaniments can take them to a new level:
- Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Classic dips that balance out the heat with creamy, tangy coolness.
- Celery & Carrot Sticks: The traditional buffalo wing pairing works just as well here, providing crunch and freshness.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a full meal, serve over sautéed cauliflower rice or a low-carb vegetable stir-fry.
- Zoodles or Lettuce Wraps: Tuck the meatballs into a lettuce leaf or on top of spiralized zucchini noodles for a light, filling meal.
Kid-Friendly (Yes, Really!)
You might be surprised, but many kids love these meatballs especially when you use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of honey to cut the heat. Their small size and fun shape make them appealing to little hands, and you can even serve them with ketchup or yogurt-based ranch for dipping.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These meatballs store beautifully and retain their moisture well, thanks to the almond flour and egg binders. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave them in 30-second intervals until warm. If you’re planning ahead for a party, you can even make the meatballs the day before, then toss them in fresh buffalo sauce just before serving.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Every Occasion
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a smart, delicious way to enjoy the fiery, tangy flavors of buffalo wings without the mess or guilt. With their high protein content, low-carb base, and endless customization options, they’re equally suited for health-focused eaters and flavor lovers alike.
From party platters to quick weeknight dinners, these meatballs are as flexible as they are flavorful. They’re proof that eating better doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement at the dinner table. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a regular in your recipe rotation.