Description
Buffalo Italian Chicken Meatballs deliver a perfect fusion of spicy Buffalo sauce and Italian herbs wrapped in tender, juicy, lean chicken meatballs. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal as appetizers, main courses, or game day snacks, offering bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet for consistent roasting.
- Bake: Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer hot meatballs to a large bowl and pour Buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss to coat all meatballs evenly with the spicy glaze.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately with optional dipping sauces or sides as desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender instead of dense.
- Use a scoop for uniform meatball size to ensure even baking.
- Rest the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping to meld flavors and improve texture.
- Opt for fresh, high-quality Buffalo sauce for best flavor.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes after tossing in sauce for a crispy, caramelized finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg