Introduction
Meatballs are a timeless favorite, enriched in flavor and versatility. This recipe features a delightful twist by using lean ground chicken and incorporating the tangy kick of Buffalo sauce alongside creamy blue cheese. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup Buffalo sauce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs
Enjoy creating and savoring these flavorful Buffalo chicken meatballs, perfect for game days or casual gatherings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground chicken, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 large egg, ½ cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs, and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape, repeating until all the mixture has been formed into meatballs.
Step 4: Add the Blue Cheese
Press a cube of blue cheese into the center of each meatball, making sure that the cheese is fully enclosed by the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, carefully transfer them to a slow cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of Buffalo sauce to the slow cooker.
Step 7: Heat in Slow Cooker
Set the slow cooker to high and allow the meatballs to cook for about 20 minutes, or until they are heated through and coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker while serving to friends and family.
Notes
Ingredient Tips
For best results, use lean ground chicken to avoid excess grease in the meatballs.
Cheese Option
Feel free to substitute blue cheese with other cheeses, such as feta or mozzarella, based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs can be served as appetizer bites, in sandwiches, or over a bed of salad or pasta.
Storage
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Cooking Time Variation
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the meatballs, so always check for doneness.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and ranch seasoning in a bowl until the mixture is uniform. This ensures even flavor throughout your meatballs.
Forming Meatballs
Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls. Press firmly to ensure they hold together during baking.
Incorporating Cheese
Make sure to fully enclose the blue cheese cube within the meatball. This allows it to melt during cooking, creating a flavorful center.
Baking Meatballs
Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until they are golden and fully cooked. This helps develop a nice exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Using a Slow Cooker
After baking, transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker with unsalted butter and Buffalo sauce. This method keeps the meatballs warm and allows them to soak up the sauce flavors.
Serving
Keep the meatballs in the slow cooker while serving to maintain their warmth and enhance the flavors from the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground chicken with turkey, beef, or pork, but cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, bake them, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese?
Yes, if you don’t like blue cheese, you could use feta or mozzarella as alternatives.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with celery sticks, carrots, or over pasta, rice, or in a sub sandwich.
Conclusion
These delicious Buffalo chicken meatballs are bursting with flavor and are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a party, or just a family dinner. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Use the seasoned ground chicken mixture to make sliders, adding cheese and your favorite toppings on small buns for a delightful appetizer.
Chicken Meatball Subs
Serve the Buffalo chicken meatballs in a sub roll, topped with extra Buffalo sauce and melted cheese for a hearty sandwich.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with the Buffalo chicken meatballs and a creamy cheese sauce for a comforting one-pot dish.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Wrap the meatballs, lettuce, and ranch sauce in a tortilla for a quick and tasty meal on the go.
Buffalo Meatball Salad
Serve the meatballs over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with ranch and Buffalo sauce for a spicy salad option.
Buffalo Meatball Pizza
Top a pizza crust with marinara, mozzarella, and the meatballs for a delicious twist on a classic pizza.
