These Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs bring all the bold, spicy flavor you love about buffalo chicken, in a lighter, and easier form. They’re baked instead of fried, packed with protein, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Buffalo chicken has always been a favorite in my house, and this buffalo chicken meatballs recipe is no exception. They have that classic spicy, tangy flavor, but feel a little more balanced and nourishing thanks to a few smart additions. Not only do I grate the carrot right into the mixture, but I also add some green onions and an egg for added flavor, protein, and fiber!
If you know me, you know I’m always looking for ways to boost nutrition without overcomplicating things, and mixing veggies right into familiar favorites is one of my go-to strategies!
These easy buffalo chicken meatballs also come together super fast, which makes them realistic for busy days. Everything gets mixed in one bowl, baked on a sheet pan, and finished with a toss of buffalo sauce. They’re simple, approachable, and very repeatable.
Nutrition at a Glance
- Protein: The ground chicken and egg support muscle repair, keeps you full longer, and helps stabilize blood sugar.
- Fiber: Coming from the carrots and green onions! Fiber aids digestion and helps make meals more satisfying.
- Low Fat: Baking instead of frying keeps these buffalo balls lighter while still remaining super flavorful.
Ingredients You Need
- Ground Chicken: Lean protein that stays tender and absorbs flavor well. Ground turkey works as a substitute.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adds classic heat and tang! Choose your favorite brand and preferred heat level.
- Egg: Helps bind the meatballs and adds extra protein.
- Panko Crumbs: Keep the meatballs light and tender! Regular breadcrumbs also work.
- Grated Carrots: Add moisture, fiber, and subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Green Onions: Bring mild onion flavor without overpowering the meatballs.
- Garlic: For a depth of flavor! I like fresh garlic, but garlic powder can be used if needed.
- Black Pepper: Enhances flavor without extra heat.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Optional but classic for serving and dipping. You can also opt for my healthy ranch dressing recipe!
Dietary Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour in place of regular panko.
- Dairy-Free: Choose a dairy free buffalo sauce and serve with dairy-free ranch or blue cheese, or skip the dressing!
How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the Ground Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, mix the chicken, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, egg, panko, carrots, green onions, garlic, and pepper.
- Assemble into Balls: Scoop and roll into small meatballs, about 1–1½ tablespoons each, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Drizzle & Enjoy: After cooled a little bit, either drizzle or coat your meatballs with the remaining buffalo sauce.Serve warm with blue cheese dressing for dunking.
Dietitian Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meat. Gently combining the ingredients helps keep the meatballs tender instead of dense. I typically mix them just until the ingredients are mostly combined!
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs! Using a cookie scoop will help you to create the same sized meatballs that cook through at the same time.
- Grate the carrots finely. Smaller shreds blend seamlessly into the meatballs and help with even cooking!
- Make it meal-prep friendly! I always double the batch and freeze half for quick meals later in the week! They are also great to serve when you have people coming over, especially on game day!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
You can serve these healthy buffalo chicken meatballs in so many different ways! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra dressing for dipping.
- Pair with a few sides like my shaved Brussels sprouts salad or grilled carrots for an easy dinner.
- Tuck into wraps, bowls, or lettuce cups for a fun, easy meal.
- Add to meal prep boxes with rice or quinoa and veggies for balanced lunches!
Storage Suggestions
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
They’re moderately spicy, but the heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you use! Choose a mild sauce if you’re sensitive to spice.
They can be, especially if you use a mild buffalo sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Buffalo chicken meatballs can turn out hard if they’re overmixed or overcooked. Mixing the meat too much can make the texture dense, and baking them too long can dry them out, especially since ground chicken is lean! For the best texture, mix just until combined and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re cooked through.
More Appetizer Recipes to Try
- Healthy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Greek Salad Skewers
- Pear & Prosciutto Crostini
- Best Beet Hummus
- Healthy Jimmy Bean Sausage Wontons
Healthier Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- ½ cup grated carrots
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, egg, panko, carrots, green onions, garlic, and pepper.
- Scoop and roll into small meatballs, about 1–1½ tablespoons each, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- After cooled a little bit, either drizzle or coat your meatballs with the remaining buffalo sauce.
- Serve warm with blue cheese dressing for dunking.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat. Gently combining the ingredients helps keep the meatballs tender instead of dense. I typically mix them just until the ingredients are mostly combined!
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs! Using a cookie scoop will help you to create the same sized meatballs that cook through at the same time.
- Grate the carrots finely. Smaller shreds blend seamlessly into the meatballs and help with even cooking!
- Make it meal-prep friendly! I always double the batch and freeze half for quick meals later in the week! They are also great
Leave a Reply