Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a spicy and juicy recipe, which is made with ground chicken and classic buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 35 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 1/2 lb. ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup minced fresh chives
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. ranch dressing

For the Sauce:

• 4 Tbsp. salted butter
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce

For the Optional Homemade Ranch Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
• 1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated

How To Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

1. Prep Oven and Mix Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko, diced celery, chives, egg, salt, pepper, and ranch dressing. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
2. Form and Bake: Form the chicken mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons for each one. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce until the sauce is smooth and combined.
4. Toss and Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them directly to the skillet with the buffalo sauce. Gently toss to coat all the meatballs evenly. Serve immediately, with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep meatballs from being dry? The key is to not overmix the ground chicken mixture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. The panko, egg, and ranch dressing also add moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs.
• Can I make these in an air fryer? Yes! For an even crispier meatball, you can cook them in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
• How to adjust the spice level? The heat comes from the buffalo sauce. You can easily control it by choosing a mild, medium, or hot variety of sauce. The butter also helps to temper the heat, so you can add a little more for a milder, richer sauce.
• Can I use a different ground meat? Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this recipe and works just as well.

What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are a versatile appetizer or main dish. Serve them with:

• Classic celery and carrot sticks
• A side of homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
• On slider buns for mini buffalo chicken sandwiches
• Over a fresh salad, like the cucumber salad mentioned in the original recipe

How To Store Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked, un-sauced meatballs. Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven and toss with freshly made sauce before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 24g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Curry in a Hurry Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe