Introduction
Buffalo chicken meatballs are a perfect fusion of flavors that bring together the heat of buffalo sauce and the savory goodness of chicken. These bite-sized delights are not only easy to prepare but are also an excellent choice for game day, parties, or a cozy night in.
Paired with a creamy bleu cheese yogurt dip, these meatballs become even more irresistible. The dip adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy meatballs, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup crumbled bleu cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinner dip)
Directions & Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, green onions, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the bleu cheese yogurt dip. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, crumbled bleu cheese, lemon juice, and milk (if using). Adjust the thickness to your liking.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo wing sauce until well coated.
- Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs warm with the bleu cheese yogurt dip on the side.
FAQs
What can I do if my meatballs are too dry?
If your meatballs turn out dry, try adding a bit more buffalo sauce or a splash of chicken broth to the mixture before baking.
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or lean beef for the ground chicken if desired.
How can I make the meatballs spicier?
Add more buffalo sauce to the meat mixture or include some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
What if my bleu cheese dip is too thick?
You can thin out your bleu cheese dip by adding a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and bake them ahead of time. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
What if I want to make these meatballs larger?
You can increase the size of the meatballs, but keep in mind that they will require a longer cooking time.
What can I do if the meatballs are bland?
Ensure you season the mixture adequately with salt and spices; consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken meatballs with bleu cheese yogurt dip are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Their spicy, savory profile combined with the cooling dip creates a balanced flavor that is hard to resist.
Give this recipe a try, and watch your family and friends enjoy every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find this dish quickly becoming a favorite in your home cooking repertoire.
Recipe Card
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup crumbled bleu cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk optional, for thinner dip
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, green onions, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the bleu cheese yogurt dip. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, crumbled bleu cheese, lemon juice, and milk (if using). Adjust the thickness to your liking.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo wing sauce until well coated.
- Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs warm with the bleu cheese yogurt dip on the side.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
