Rachael Ray Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Rachael Ray’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a GREAT option if you’re looking to bring a fun twist to a classic flavor.

This recipe combines ground chicken with onion, garlic, and a touch of parsley, then bakes to perfection.

One valuable tip: use ground chicken with a bit of fat for juicier meatballs.

I also recommend baking the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet for easy cleanup.

Try serving them as appetizers or on sliders for a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy!

How to Make Rachael Ray Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Chicken
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 Egg
• 1 stalk Celery (diced)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Chives
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Hot Wing Sauce
• 1/4 cup Blue Cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped celery, salt, pepper, and chives.

Add minced garlic and hot wing sauce to the mixture, ensuring everything is blended well.

Step 3:

Shape the mixture into small balls, using about two tablespoons of mixture for each.

You should get approximately sixteen meatballs.

Step 4:

Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 5:

Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.

You can drizzle more hot wing sauce or add blue cheese if you like.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh spices and herbs makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Fresh garlic and chives amp up the taste significantly.

Customize the Spice Level

You can adjust the hot wing sauce to your preferred spice level.

Try adding more sauce for an extra kick or less for a milder taste.

No Blue Cheese?

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, ranch dressing works wonders.

It adds creaminess and combines beautifully with the spicy sauce.

Add Extra Crunch

To give your meatballs more texture, think about adding diced onions or bell peppers.

They also enhance the flavor and bring a little color to the dish.

Keep Them Even

To make sure all the meatballs cook evenly, keep them the same size.

Using a cookie scoop works great for this!

What to Serve with Rachael Ray Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Fresh Veggie Sticks and Dip

When serving buffalo chicken meatballs, crisp veggie sticks are a classic choice!

Think celery, carrots, and cucumbers paired with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

These crunchy veggies balance the spicy heat of the meatballs beautifully.

Classic Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad complements the bold flavors of buffalo chicken meatballs without stealing the spotlight.

Mix boiled red potatoes with mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, and green peppers for extra crunch.

This side dish provides a satisfying, hearty base alongside your spicy meatballs.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

If you’re having a gathering, grilled corn on the cob works wonderfully with this dish.

Season it with a bit of chili powder and lime for a slight kick that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.

Corn adds sweetness, balancing the spicy and savory notes of the meatballs.

Cauliflower Rice

Try something unique like cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative to traditional sides.

This nutritious dish can be seasoned with garlic and herbs for extra flavor.

It’s a great low-carb option that won’t overpower the tastes of the meatballs.

Sweet Potato Fries

Another creative twist is to serve sweet potato fries for a contrasting flavor experience.

Bake them until crispy and lightly season with sea salt and pepper.

Their natural sweetness and soft texture work as a delightful counterpart to the spicy meatballs.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the fantastic things about Rachael Ray’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe is how flexible it can be!

Meat Options

If you can’t find ground chicken, feel free to use ground turkey or even pork.

Each provides a slightly different texture and flavor, which can be a fun twist.

Spices and Herbs

If you enjoy a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

For those who love herbs, swap out parsley for cilantro or add a bit of chives.

Dairy Alternatives

When making the sauce, you can substitute dairy-based ingredients with plant-based options like coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

Breadcrumb Choices

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, replace panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

Trying different ingredients can make these meatballs uniquely yours!

How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

You’ve made a big batch of delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, and now you’re wondering how to store them properly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store the leftover meatballs in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Place them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.

They can last up to three days in the fridge without losing their flavor and texture.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, consider freezing your meatballs.

Place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to three months.

Sealing and Labeling

Remember to use airtight containers or freezer bags to avoid freezer burn.

Label the containers with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored.

It’s always fun to have a stash of these meatballs ready for future cravings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Baking Sheet

Don’t jam-pack your baking sheet with meatballs, or they might not cook evenly.

Use two sheets and space them out for uniform cooking.

You’ll be rewarded with perfectly browned meatballs every time!

Skipping the Chill

Skipping the fridge step for at least 10 minutes after shaping the meatballs can lead to disaster.

Always allow the meatballs to firm up in the fridge so they don’t fall apart while baking.

A short chill makes all the difference!

Underseasoning the Mixture

Failing to add enough salt and pepper to the meat mixture is a common pitfall.

Season generously to bring out the rich flavors of the chicken and spices.

Your taste buds will thank you for that flavorful kick!