Recipe: Buffalo chicken meatballs

Whether you’re looking for a good game day appetizer or a Friendsgiving appetizer, this recipe will work. It combines your favorite buffalo chicken flavors but in a bite size meatball.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
• ½ cup panko
• ¼ cup celery, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh chives, minced
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup buffalo sauce
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated

Directions

For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the ground chicken, panko, diced celery, chives, egg, pepper and ranch dressing in a bowl, being careful not to over-mix.

Form the chicken mixture into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the buffalo sauce, stirring to combine. Add the cooked meatballs and toss to coat.

For the ranch dressing (optional): In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, chives, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and garlic. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Without ranch dressing

310 calories, 22g fat, 760mg sodium, 7g carbohydrates, 21g protein, 0g fiber, 1g sugar (includes 0g added sugars)

Adapted from: The Pioneer Woman

Reviewed by PeaceHealth dietitians and nutritionists.