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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Using a tablespoon, portion out the meat mixture and roll between palms to create uniform, round meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Arrange the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each to ensure even cooking and browning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove meatballs from the oven and immediately transfer them into the prepared buffalo sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
- Plate the sauced meatballs on a serving platter, garnishing with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fresh celery leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
- 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