If you are on the hunt for a snack or appetizer that packs a punch with fiery flavor and creamy coolness, the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These tender, juicy meatballs perfectly combine the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the fresh crunch of celery and carrot, all tied together by a luscious, homemade blue cheese yogurt dip that balances the spice with smooth, zesty creaminess. This recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves a bold, crowd-pleasing dish that’s equally great for casual gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—resulting in meatballs that are moist and flavorful, paired with the perfect dip to complement every bite.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): Use lean ground chicken for tender, juicy meatballs that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon for dip): Enhances natural flavors and seasons both meatballs and dip perfectly.
- Panko bread crumbs (â…“ cup): Adds just the right texture and helps bind the meatballs without weighing them down.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs together and moist.
- Celery, minced (¼ cup): Provides a fresh, subtle crunch and a pop of green color.
- Carrot, shredded (¼ cup): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue for a beautiful contrast.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic depth to every bite.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a subtle savory note.
- Frank’s Hot Sauce (¼ cup or more): The star of buffalo flavor, giving a perfect balance of heat and tang.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Creates a creamy base for the dip with added protein and tang.
- Blue cheese, crumbled (2 ounces): Offers bold, tangy chunks that give the dip its signature bite.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons or more): Adds brightness to cut through richness and elevate flavors.
- Chives, finely chopped (1 tablespoon): Brings a mild oniony freshness to finish the dip beautifully.
- Garlic, grated (1 clove): Infuses the dip with fresh savory notes for a tasty punch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flavor Base
Start by combining all ingredients except the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. This includes your panko, egg, minced celery, shredded carrot, garlic and onion powders, kosher salt, and plenty of hot sauce. Mixing these first is key to evenly distribute the spices and veggies, ensuring every meatball is bursting with delicious flavor from the very first bite.
Step 2: Incorporate the Ground Chicken
Add your ground chicken to the flavorful mixture. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender and juicy rather than tough. This delicate balance is what makes these buffalo chicken meatballs so irresistibly soft.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roughly portion out the mixture onto a cookie sheet. Then, wet your hands lightly and roll each portion into a smooth round meatball, aiming to make about 24 small ones. This size is perfect for snacking and ensures fast cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs Your Way
For a quick and hands-off approach, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the meatballs in batches for 5 to 7 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm doneness. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated 400°F oven on a greased baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, spaced half an inch apart for even cooking.
Step 5: Whip Up the Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip
While the meatballs cook, make the irresistible dip by thoroughly mixing plain Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, chives, grated garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt together in a bowl. This creamy dip perfectly balances the heat of the buffalo meatballs with its cool, tangy richness.
Step 6: Time to Serve!
Get ready to dig in! Serve your buffalo chicken meatballs hot alongside the blue cheese yogurt dip for dunking. The combination of spicy, juicy meatballs cooled down by the tangy cheese dip is guaranteed to become an instant favorite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from delicious to spectacular. Sprinkle finely chopped chives or green onions on top to add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. For an extra touch, add thin slices of celery or carrot on the side to echo the freshness inside the meatballs and provide a crunchy contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as an appetizer on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice to round out the meal. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies add freshness and balance to the richness of the meatballs and dip, making for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve the meatballs skewered on decorative picks with small cups of the blue cheese yogurt dip for a fun finger-food presentation. Alternatively, turn these buffalo chicken meatballs into sliders on mini buns with lettuce and a drizzle of extra hot sauce for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buffalo chicken meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the blue cheese yogurt dip separate until ready to serve to maintain its fresh, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Freeze the cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the meatballs in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain their crispy exterior. Serve again with freshly stirred blue cheese yogurt dip for that unbeatable flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs with ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce and the blue cheese yogurt dip.
How spicy are these buffalo chicken meatballs?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by adding more or less hot sauce based on your heat preference. The blue cheese yogurt dip also helps mellow out the heat, giving you a perfect balance.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of air frying?
Yes! Baking is a fantastic option if you don’t have an air fryer. Just bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, evenly cooked meatballs.
Is the blue cheese yogurt dip difficult to make?
Not at all! It’s a simple mix of Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, garlic, chives, and salt. Whisk it all together and you’ve got a creamy, tangy dip that’s perfect for cooling down the spicy meatballs.
Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. You can shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, or fully cook and store them chilled, reheating just before serving. The dip can also be made a day ahead for even easier party prep.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe that makes you want to make it again and again. The combination of tender, spicy meatballs with a creamy, tangy dip is pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re entertaining friends, looking for a cozy meal, or just craving a flavor-packed snack, this recipe will not disappoint. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen too!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs, serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy appetizer or main dish featuring ground chicken combined with classic buffalo sauce and aromatic vegetables. Cooked quickly to juicy perfection either in an air fryer or oven, they come with a creamy blue cheese yogurt dip that balances the heat beautifully. Perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty weeknight meal.
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)
Blu 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
- Mix ingredients: Combine all ingredients except the ground chicken in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Then add the ground chicken and gently mix until well combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to rough scoop the meat mixture onto a cookie sheet, and then use wet hands to form about 24 small meatballs for even cooking.
- Cook in air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the meatballs in batches if needed for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and they are cooked through.
- Alternatively, bake in oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet spaced about ½ inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare the dip: Mix the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, finely chopped chives, grated garlic, and kosher salt in a bowl until well combined to create a creamy blue cheese yogurt dip.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs warm as an appetizer or with sides like mashed potatoes or rice. Pair with the blue cheese yogurt dip for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Wetting your hands when shaping meatballs helps prevent sticking.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level.
- For a lower fat option, use ground turkey breast instead of chicken.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
