Description
Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwiches combine tender, juicy chicken meatballs coated in spicy buffalo sauce, served in soft buns with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing and crisp celery or lettuce. This handheld sandwich offers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and savoriness, ideal for quick lunches, game-day snacks, or satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb lean but slightly fatty ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce and Toppings
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot, adjust to taste)
- Soft sandwich buns (4, brioche or potato rolls preferred; gluten-free option available)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup celery sticks or lettuce, chopped or whole for crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated but avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using your hands or a small scoop. This size ensures quick and uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook the meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes for a hands-off method.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer cooked meatballs into a bowl and generously toss with warm buffalo sauce to coat each meatball thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the buns, layer in the sauced meatballs, and top with blue cheese or ranch dressing. Add celery or lettuce for crunch. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to avoid tough texture; mix just until combined.
- Searing the meatballs before baking adds attractive color and deeper flavor.
- Use high-quality buffalo sauce with balanced heat and acidity for best taste.
- Fresh toppings like celery add a necessary cool, crisp contrast to the spicy meatballs.
- Serve sandwiches warm for optimal juiciness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg