If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful twist for game day snacks, the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe is exactly what you need. These meatballs pack a delightful punch with tender ground chicken whipped up with classic buffalo heat and a hint of fresh veggies for some added crunch. Paired with a creamy, tangy blue cheese yogurt dip, this dish brings together bold flavors and smooth textures that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy comfort meal, these meatballs will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs starts with simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect bite. From the juicy ground chicken to the crunchy panko and zesty hot sauce, every component contributes to vibrant flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey): The tender, lean protein base for juicy meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- â…“ cup panko bread crumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs gently.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, keeping the meatballs together.
- ¼ cup celery (minced): Provides crisp texture and fresh subtlety.
- ¼ cup carrot (shredded): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers savory warmth throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Balances flavors with a smooth onion undertone.
- ¼ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce (or more to taste): Gives that iconic tangy Buffalo kick.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Base for the creamy, cooling blue cheese dip.
- 2 ounces blue cheese (crumbled): Offers bold, sharp flavor to complement the heat.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste): Brightens the dip with refreshing acidity.
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped): Adds a mild onion flavor and lovely green color.
- 1 clove garlic (grated): Infuses the dip with fresh savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste): Perfect seasoning that balances the dip’s tanginess.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining all ingredients except the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. This blend of bread crumbs, egg, veggies, spices, and hot sauce ensures your meatballs have vibrant flavor and perfect texture. Once mixed, gently fold in the ground chicken. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as that can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Grab a cookie scoop to portion out roughly equal amounts of the mixture onto a cookie sheet. Then, wet your hands lightly and roll each scoop into a perfect little ball, about 24 in total. Wetting your hands prevents sticking and helps create smooth, uniform meatballs.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
You have two great options here depending on your kitchen tools. For an air fryer, preheat to 375°F and spray the basket with non-stick spray. Cook the meatballs in batches for 5 to 7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, bake them in a 400°F oven on a greased baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, also checking for doneness with a thermometer. Either way, you’ll end up with juicy, perfectly cooked meatballs every time.
Step 4: Make the Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip
While the meatballs cook, mix together Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, grated garlic, chopped chives, and kosher salt in a bowl. Stir well until the dip is smooth and creamy with just the right tang and sharpness. This dip is the star partner to the spicy meatballs and balances their heat beautifully.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add extra flair and flavor to your presentation. Sprinkle finely chopped chives or green onions on top of the meatballs to add a pop of color and subtle oniony brightness. You can also add a light drizzle of extra Frank’s Hot Sauce around the plate for those who want an extra kick.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are versatile enough to shine alongside a variety of sides. Serve them over fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks are classic accompaniments, echoing the flavors in the meatballs and providing crunchy contrast. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the bold flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try serving these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs on skewers with dollops of blue cheese yogurt dip on the side for easy dipping. Arranged on a large platter, they make a fantastic appetizer spread. You can even stuff them into slider buns with a little leaf lettuce for a fun twist on buffalo chicken sliders that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dip separate in its own container to maintain freshness and creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze uncooked meatballs arranged on a baking sheet for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works well—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out. Serve freshly stirred blue cheese yogurt dip chilled or at room temperature alongside.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and provides a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey may cook a little faster or slower depending on fat content.
How spicy are these meatballs?
The spiciness mainly comes from Frank’s Hot Sauce, which is a moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount to your preferred taste, adding more for extra heat or less if you want it milder.
Is the blue cheese yogurt dip hard to make?
Not at all. It’s a simple mix of Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, and seasonings. It comes together quickly but adds that creamy tangy counterpoint that pairs perfectly with spicy meatballs.
Can I bake all the meatballs at once?
You can as long as they fit on your baking sheet with a bit of space between each. This helps them cook evenly and get a nice crust. If your pan is small, cook in batches rather than overcrowd.
What other dips could I try with these meatballs?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, ranch dressing or a simple ranch yogurt dip also pairs wonderfully. A cooling cucumber tzatziki sauce could add a fresh Mediterranean twist to these buffalo-inspired bites.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of spicy, tender meatballs and creamy blue cheese yogurt dip that makes this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe a real winner. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and packed with flavor that hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a staple in your recipe collection!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 24 meatballs)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy, flavorful appetizer or main dish option featuring ground chicken mixed with classic buffalo seasoning and baked or air fried to perfection. Served with a creamy blue cheese yogurt dip, they offer a healthier twist on traditional buffalo wings with the convenience of easy meatball form.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- â…“ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup celery (minced)
- ¼ cup carrot (shredded)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce (or more to taste)
Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 ounces blue cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Combine all ingredients except the ground chicken in a bowl and mix well. Add the ground chicken and gently mix to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop, roughly portion out the mixture onto a cookie sheet. Using wet hands, shape each portion into small meatballs, about 24 total.
- Air Fry the Meatballs: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Bake the Meatballs (Alternate Method): Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the meatballs about ½ inch apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip: In a bowl, mix together all dip ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs with the bleu cheese yogurt dip. These meatballs make a great appetizer or main dish served alongside mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce to control the spiciness of the meatballs.
- Wet your hands before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness at 165°F internal temperature.
- These meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- The bleu cheese yogurt dip adds a creamy, tangy complement to balance the spicy meatballs.
