Description
Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwiches feature tender, juicy ground chicken meatballs tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and nestled in toasted sandwich buns. Topped with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing and fresh celery or lettuce, these sandwiches offer a bold flavor explosion perfect for game day, casual dinners, or entertaining guests. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, this recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice level)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche, potato rolls, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, as desired
- Fresh celery sticks or lettuce leaves for crunch
- Oil for cooking (e.g., olive or vegetable oil)
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for milder topping option
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to maintain tender meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent cooking and easy sandwich assembly.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a bowl and toss generously with buffalo sauce so they are well coated in the spicy, tangy flavor.
- Prepare Sandwich Assembly: Lightly toast the sandwich buns. Spread a layer of blue cheese or ranch dressing on the bottom bun to create a creamy base that complements the buffalo heat.
- Build the Sandwich: Place several buffalo-coated meatballs on each bun, add crisp celery or lettuce for freshness and crunch, then top with the upper bun. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh buffalo sauce for the best bright and balanced flavor without added sweetness.
- Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense or tough texture.
- Use a small scoop or spoon to form uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Lightly toast buns to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
- Add cold toppings such as greens and dressing last to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, meatball sandwich, spicy sandwich, game day recipe, blue cheese, ranch dressing, quick dinner, chicken meatballs