Easy Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

Buffalo chicken meatballs pack a punch of flavor that transforms ordinary appetizers into something extraordinary.

These zesty bites combine classic game-day excitement with a protein-packed twist that keeps everyone craving more.

Tender ground chicken provides the perfect canvas for bold, tangy seasonings that dance across your palate.

Crispy breadcrumbs ensure a satisfying texture while hot sauce delivers that signature kick everyone loves.

Celery and egg bind the ingredients, creating a cohesive mixture that promises restaurant-quality results at home.

Each meatball brings a delightful combination of heat and comfort that surprises and delights hungry guests.

Anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that sparks conversation will find these meatballs irresistible: prepare to become the hero of your next gathering.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Scoop for Success: A small ice cream scoop guarantees uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional-looking results every single time.
• Handle with Care: Gentle mixing prevents overworking the ground chicken, keeping the texture light and tender instead of dense and tough.
• Lean Isn't Always Keen: Select ground chicken with a bit of fat content to lock in moisture and create juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won't dry out during baking.
• Warm and Ready: Maintaining the buffalo sauce at a low simmer helps intensify its flavors and creates a perfect coating consistency for your just-baked meatballs.
• Temperature Check: Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking and losing their delicate texture.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for maximum flavor preservation. Remove all air from the storage bag, creating an airtight seal that prevents freezer burn and maintains the meatballs' original taste and texture for up to 3 months.
• Portion Freezing Technique: Separate meatballs into individual serving sizes before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to make reheating quick and convenient. This approach prevents unnecessary thawing of the entire batch and keeps the meatballs at peak quality.
• Mason Jar Storage: Utilize clean mason jars for refrigerator storage, creating a moisture-resistant environment. Layer meatballs carefully, leaving a small gap between each piece to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and consume within 4 days for optimal flavor and safety.

Delicious Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Chicken Ranch Meatballs: Swap hot sauce with ranch seasoning mix and add chopped fresh dill for a creamy, herbaceous flavor profile that transforms the classic buffalo recipe.
• Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped fresh parsley, and dried oregano into the mixture, then serve with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Meatballs: Replace hot sauce with soy sauce, add grated ginger, green onions, and sesame seeds, then glaze with a sweet chili sauce for an exciting East Asian twist.
• Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Create a pocket in each meatball and stuff with small cubes of blue cheese before baking, enhancing the tangy flavor and creating a molten cheese center.

Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: A Spicy, Flavor-Packed Bite

Spicy buffalo chicken meatballs elevate classic party appetizers with bold, zesty flavors that dance across palates.

Gorgonzola’s tangy punch adds sophisticated depth to these protein-packed bites.

Celery’s crisp crunch provides perfect textural balance against succulent meat.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality delights that spark conversation.

Guests will crave these irresistible morsels that blend heat, richness, and incredible complexity.

Passionate cooks and hungry friends, grab your ingredients, dive into this culinary adventure, and let meatball magic unfold – share this recipe, snap a pic, drop a comment, and spread deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Burst with Spicy Buffalo Flavor: These meatballs pack a serious punch of classic buffalo wing taste, delivering a mouthwatering kick that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Effortlessly Simple Preparation: Whip up these crowd-pleasing meatballs in just 40 minutes, using straightforward ingredients and easy mixing techniques that even novice cooks can master with confidence.
• Perfect Party and Game Day Showstopper: Transform the beloved buffalo chicken wing concept into a handheld, elegant appetizer that's guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, from casual game nights to sophisticated dinner parties.
• Healthier Protein-Packed Alternative: Swap traditional deep-fried wings for these baked chicken meatballs, offering a leaner protein option without sacrificing the bold, zesty buffalo sauce flavor that everyone craves.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for meatballs, best with fresh ground meat from butcher counter.
• Scallion: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor with green color accent.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meatballs and provide light, airy texture.
• Large Egg: Acts as natural binder to hold meatball mixture together.
• Celery: Adds crisp texture and classic buffalo wing flavor profile.

• Hot Sauce: Provides signature buffalo wing spicy kick and tangy flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances spice.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to meatball mixture.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic flavor to the meatball base.
• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for buffalo sauce.
• Gorgonzola Cheese: Offers creamy, tangy complement to spicy meatballs.

• Celery Leaves: Fresh herb-like garnish with subtle vegetable flavor.
• Celery Sticks: Provides crunchy, cooling side to spicy meatballs.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a sizzling 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Finely diced celery
• Hot sauce
• 1 large egg
• Chopped scallions
• Minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until it’s well mixed and looks like a flavor-packed mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Flavor Bombs

Grab a tablespoon and scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each scoop between your palms to create perfect round meatballs. Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Look for a golden-brown exterior and ensure the meatballs are cooked completely through.

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Sauce

While meatballs are baking, create the buffalo sauce. In a medium pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in hot sauce until it’s fully combined and warm.

Step 6: Coat in Fiery Goodness

Pull the meatballs from the oven and gently toss them in the buffalo sauce. Make sure each meatball gets a beautiful, even coating of spicy deliciousness.

Step 7: Add Fancy Finishing Touches

Transfer the saucy meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fresh celery leaves for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 8: Create the Perfect Serving Spread

Arrange crisp celery sticks around the meatballs. These crunchy companions are perfect for dipping and cooling down the spicy kick.

Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs deliver a spicy kickoff to game day excitement. Juicy chicken blends with classic buffalo sauce, creating irresistible party bites that spark conversation and delight hungry guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground chicken

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 scallion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serving and Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ stick (4 tablespoons) (57 grams) salted butter
• ¾ cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
• Crumbled gorgonzola
• 5 to 6 stalks of celery, cut into sticks
• Celery leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper, lightly coating with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely diced celery, hot sauce, egg, chopped scallions, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using a tablespoon, portion out the meat mixture and roll between palms to create uniform, round meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter.
4. Arrange the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each to ensure even cooking and browning.
5. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develop a golden-brown exterior.
6. While meatballs are cooking, create the buffalo sauce by melting unsalted butter in a sauté pan over medium-low heat, then whisking in hot sauce until smooth and well-incorporated.
7. Remove meatballs from the oven and immediately transfer them into the prepared buffalo sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
8. Plate the sauced meatballs on a serving platter, garnishing with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fresh celery leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve alongside crisp celery sticks to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy meatballs.

Notes

• Golden-brown baking technique eliminates excess oil while maintaining perfect meatball texture and appearance.
• Consistent tablespoon portioning ensures uniform cooking and professional-looking appetizer presentation.
• Gorgonzola’s tangy richness perfectly balances the bold buffalo sauce, creating a complex flavor experience.
• Ground chicken provides lighter protein option without compromising juiciness or incredible texture.
• Fresh scallions and garlic infuse additional depth, transforming these meatballs from simple protein to gourmet bite.
• Make-ahead preparation allows stress-free entertaining with convenient reheating before serving hungry guests.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg