Mohamed Shili This spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs by Pioneer Woman is prepared using ground chicken, breadcrumbs, hot sauce, egg, and celery. This spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe is a hearty dinner that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Ingredients
For The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 1 large egg
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Crumbled gorgonzola, for serving
- 5 to 6 stalks of celery, cut into sticks, plus celery leaves, for serving
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) salted butter
- 3/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F and carefully line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper that has been generously sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely diced celery, hot sauce, large egg, finely chopped scallion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well mixed.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture, then gently roll it between your palms to form smooth, even balls, placing each one on the prepared baking sheet as you go.
- Bake the Meatballs: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and have a nice golden exterior.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat, then stir in the hot sauce until the mixture is completely combined and heated through.
- Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and gently toss them in the hot buffalo sauce, coating them evenly.
- Prepare for Serving: Transfer the sauced meatballs onto a serving platter and generously sprinkle them with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fresh celery leaves for garnish.
- Serve with Celery: Arrange the celery sticks around the meatballs on the platter, making them easily accessible for guests to enjoy as a crunchy complement to the spicy meatballs.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for ground chicken that’s not too lean to ensure your meatballs remain juicy and flavorful after baking.
- Mix Gently: When combining your ingredients, mix them gently to avoid compacting the meat, which can lead to dense and tough meatballs.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For consistently sized meatballs, use a small ice cream scoop to measure out your mixture before rolling them into balls.
- Keep the Sauce Simmering: While the meatballs bake, keep the buffalo sauce warm on a low simmer to enhance its flavor and consistency.
What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Serve your spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with carrot slaw, ranch pasta salad, blue cheese stuffed olives, jalapeño cornbread, and dill pickle chips.
You can also pair them with chilled celery soup, sweet potato fries, or zucchini chips for a varied flavor experience.
How To Store Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
To Refrigerate: Place the leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days; ensure they are cooled before storing.
To Freeze: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with sauce to maintain texture.
How To Reheat Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
In The Oven: Place the leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs on a baking sheet, cover lightly with foil, and reheat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through; this keeps them moist.
In The Microwave: Reheat the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel, on medium power for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway through for even heating.
In The Air Fryer: Reheat the meatballs at 320°F in the air fryer for about 4-5 minutes. This method helps to preserve the meatballs’ crispy exterior while warming the inside evenly; shake the basket halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
To prevent the meatballs from falling apart, make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly so they bind together well. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs too dense. Using breadcrumbs and an egg helps to bind the mixture effectively.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Prepare and shape the meatballs, then store them in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking. This makes meal preparation more convenient and ensures the meatballs hold their shape.
How can I make the meatballs less spicy?
To make the meatballs less spicy, reduce the amount of hot sauce used in the meatball mixture and sauce. You can also add more breadcrumbs or a small amount of milk to mellow the spice level. This adjustment makes the dish more family-friendly.
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Description
This spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs by Pioneer Woman is prepared using ground chicken, breadcrumbs, hot sauce, egg, and celery. This spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe is a hearty dinner that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Ingredients
For The Meatballs:
For The Sauce:
How To Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F and carefully line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper that has been generously sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely diced celery, hot sauce, large egg, finely chopped scallion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well mixed.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture, then gently roll it between your palms to form smooth, even balls, placing each one on the prepared baking sheet as you go.
- Bake the Meatballs: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and have a nice golden exterior.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat, then stir in the hot sauce until the mixture is completely combined and heated through.
- Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and gently toss them in the hot buffalo sauce, coating them evenly.
- Prepare for Serving: Transfer the sauced meatballs onto a serving platter and generously sprinkle them with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fresh celery leaves for garnish.
- Serve with Celery: Arrange the celery sticks around the meatballs on the platter, making them easily accessible for guests to enjoy as a crunchy complement to the spicy meatballs.
