Buffalo Chicken Delight Bites
Indulge in these delicious Buffalo Chicken Delight Bites, a spicy twist on traditional meatballs that combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with finely ground chicken, crisp celery, and a hint of blue cheese. Perfect for game day or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these savory bites are baked to perfection and served with a creamy blue cheese dressing. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these flavorful meatballs will be the star of the show, bringing heat, flavor, and satisfaction to every bite. Share them with friends and family for an unforgettable culinary experience!
N/A
Servings
159
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable or olive oil
2 tablespoons (For greasing the baking dish)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (Melted for the sauce)
Frank's red hot sauce or any favorite hot sauce
1/3 cup (Combined with melted butter)
Ground chicken (preferably thigh meat)
1 lb (Base for the meatballs)
Large egg
1 (Binder for the meatball mixture)
Celery, minced
1/2 stalk (Adds crunch and flavor to the meatballs)
Breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (Helps bind the mixture)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To season the meatball mixture)
Sour cream
3/4 cup (Base for the dressing)
Crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup (Adds flavor to the dressing)
Whole milk
1/3 cup (For the dressing)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (Brings creaminess to the dressing)
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon (or more) (For seasoning the dressing)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (For acidity in the dressing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Drizzle vegetable or olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking dish, then use your hands to coat the entire surface evenly. Set it aside.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and Frank's red hot sauce. Cook over low heat, whisking continuously until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled hot sauce mixture with ground chicken, egg, minced celery, breadcrumbs, and salt. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all the ingredients are well combined.
4
Shape the mixture into round balls about 3/4-inch in diameter, making sure to pack the meat firmly for better structure. Place the balls snugly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they touch each other and form a grid layout.
5
Roast in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The meatballs are done when they are firm to the touch and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6
Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool in the baking dish for about 5 minutes before serving.
7
While the meatballs cool, prepare the blue cheese dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, milk, mayonnaise, salt, and red wine vinegar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8
Serve the warm meatballs with the blue cheese dressing on the side, allowing guests to dip and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
6g
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buffalo Chicken Delight Bites?
Buffalo Chicken Delight Bites are spicy chicken meatballs made with buffalo sauce and celery, served with a homemade creamy blue cheese dressing.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these meatballs?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) for roasting the meatballs.
What type of ground chicken works best for this recipe?
Ground chicken thigh meat is preferred as it provides more flavor and moisture compared to breast meat.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking dish and use your hands to coat the surface evenly.
Which hot sauce is recommended for the buffalo flavor?
The recipe suggests Frank's red hot sauce, though you can use any favorite hot sauce of your choice.
How do I make the buffalo sauce mixture for the meat?
In a small saucepan, whisk 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/3 cup of hot sauce over low heat until the butter is fully melted.
How long should the sauce cool before adding it to the meat?
Let the hot sauce and butter mixture cool for about 10 minutes before combining it with the other meatball ingredients.
What ingredients are used to bind the meatballs?
The recipe uses one large egg and 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs as binders for the mixture.
Why is celery added to the meatballs?
Minced celery is added to provide a subtle crunch and classic flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo seasoning.
What is the ideal size for each meatball?
The mixture should be shaped into round balls approximately 3/4-inch in diameter.
How should the meatballs be arranged in the baking dish?
Place the balls snugly in the dish so they touch each other, forming a grid layout.
How long does it take to roast Buffalo Chicken Delight Bites?
Roast them for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell if the chicken meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should be firm to the touch and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long should the meatballs rest after baking?
Allow the meatballs to cool in the baking dish for about 5 minutes before serving.
What are the ingredients for the blue cheese dressing?
The dressing is made of sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, whole milk, mayonnaise, salt, and red wine vinegar.
What provides the creaminess in the dressing?
A combination of 3/4 cup sour cream and 1/3 cup mayonnaise makes the dressing smooth and creamy.
How much blue cheese is required for the dressing?
You will need 1/3 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
What type of vinegar is used for the blue cheese dip?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar for acidity.
Can I adjust the consistency of the dressing?
Yes, the whole milk in the recipe helps reach the desired consistency as you whisk the ingredients together.
Are these meatballs suitable for a party?
Yes, they are described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer and perfect for game day or party hosting.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 159 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much ground chicken do I need for a single batch?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground chicken.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much salt is needed for the meat mixture?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt to season the meatball mixture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including those for both the meatballs and the dressing.
Is it important to pack the meat firmly?
Yes, packing the meat firmly while shaping ensures the meatballs have a better structure during roasting.
What is the best way to serve these?
Serve the warm meatballs with the blue cheese dressing on the side for guests to dip and enjoy.
Can I use white vinegar instead of red wine vinegar in the dressing?
While the recipe specifies red wine vinegar, most mild vinegars can be used as a substitute for the necessary acidity.