Save to Pinterest These juicy baked chicken meatballs bring a perfect balance of tender ground chicken, savory breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, honey, and butter, they offer both heat and sweetness. Quick to prepare and bake, they make excellent finger foods paired with blue cheese or ranch dressing and crunchy celery sticks. Versatile and easy, they're a crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings or game days.
The first time I brought these to a Super Bowl party, my friend Mike actually stopped mid conversation, pointed at the platter, and said "Wait, what IS that?" Three meatballs later, he was asking for the recipe. Now they are the most requested item at every gathering I host, and I have learned to double the batch because they disappear faster than I can set them out.
I made these on a rainy Tuesday just because I was craving something spicy and comforting, and ended up eating four standing at the counter while they were still too hot to properly handle. That is when I knew this recipe was special. My seven year old nephew who typically insists on plain foods surprised everyone by asking for seconds, calling them "the really good orange balls."
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: The mild flavor lets the buffalo sauce shine while staying lean and healthy
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the meatballs without making them dense or heavy
- Egg: Acts as the glue that keeps everything together during baking
- Celery: Finely chopped adds classic buffalo flavor and keeps meatballs moist
- Green onions: Provide a subtle sharpness that balances the richness
- Garlic: Fresh minced gives way more flavor than garlic powder ever could
- Hot sauce: Franks RedHot is traditional but any cayenne based sauce works beautifully
- Butter: Melted into the hot sauce creates that authentic wing sauce consistency
- Honey: Just enough to tame the heat and create that perfect sticky coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later
- Mix the meatball base:
- Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl, mixing gently until just combined
- Shape them up:
- Use damp hands to form 1.5 inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet
- Bake until golden:
- Pop them in for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through with lightly browned tops
- Whisk the sauce:
- While meatballs bake, stir together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey until smooth
- Coat and serve:
- Toss the hot meatballs gently in the sauce and serve them immediately with your favorite dips
Save to Pinterest Last New Years Eve, I made a triple batch and people were literally hovering around the kitchen island waiting for them to come out of the oven. By midnight, the platter was empty and someone had already started a group chat demanding the recipe for their own parties.
Make Ahead Magic
I bake the meatballs completely, let them cool, and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, then toss with warmed sauce, and they taste just as fresh as the day you made them.
Sauce Science
The honey does more than add sweetness, it helps the sauce cling to the meatballs instead of sliding right off. I learned this after a failed batch where everything pooled at the bottom of the serving bowl.
Serving Strategy
Set up a DIY station with blue cheese dressing, ranch, extra hot sauce, and plenty of crunchy veggie sticks. Let guests customize their heat level and dipping choices, which keeps everyone happy and coming back for more.
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dip your hands when shaping meatballs
- Double the sauce if you like yours really coated and messy
- These freeze beautifully after baking, just thaw before tossing in sauce
Save to Pinterest These have become my go to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy cocktail parties, because everyone loves them and they somehow feel special while being incredibly easy to make.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for the meatballs?
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Ground chicken with moderate fat content works best to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- → How can I make the meatballs spicier?
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Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mix or increasing the hot sauce in the coating will enhance the heat.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
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Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat in the buffalo sauce before serving to maintain flavor and moisture.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
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Crunchy celery and carrot sticks complement the bold flavors, along with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauces.
- → Are there substitution options for ingredients?
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Ground turkey can replace chicken, and gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free butter can accommodate dietary needs.
