Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs – These juicy, bite-sized meatballs pack all the flavor of Buffalo wings without the carbs or mess. Perfect as a party appetizer, game day snack, or even as part of a meal.
Why You’ll Love Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Bursting with flavor: Spicy Buffalo sauce, a hint of garlic, and rich, creamy blue cheese make these meatballs a flavor-packed treat.
Low-carb and keto-friendly: Packed with protein and minimal carbs, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
Easy to make: Quick to prep and bake – you’ll have a delicious snack or meal in no time.
Versatile: Perfect for appetizers, meal prepping, or even as a fun main dish.
Ingredients for Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need for these zesty keto meatballs:
- Ground Chicken: Choose high-quality, lean ground chicken for tender meatballs.
- Almond Flour: A low-carb binder that keeps meatballs moist and keto-friendly.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Buffalo Sauce: For that signature spicy flavor – look for a low-carb brand.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds depth and flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles (optional): For a creamy, tangy kick inside the meatballs.
Optional Garnish: Chopped green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles make for an attractive presentation and an added pop of flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Choose the Right Buffalo Sauce: Not all Buffalo sauces are created equal! Check for sugar content and opt for one that’s low-carb or keto-certified to keep your meal keto-friendly.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Bake on a Wire Rack: For a crispier texture, place the meatballs on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less Buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of melted butter to tone down the spice.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Keto Buffalo Meatballs: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Baked Keto Meatballs with Ranch: Substitute the Buffalo sauce with ranch seasoning for a tangy, herb-forward flavor.
- Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Meatballs: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick!
- Cauliflower Rice-Stuffed Meatballs: For a hearty twist, add a bit of seasoned cauliflower rice to the meatball mix.
How to Serve Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These meatballs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips:
- With Dips: Serve with a side of keto-friendly ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cool contrast to the heat.
- As a Meal: Pair them with a fresh green salad or keto coleslaw for a light, balanced meal.
- As Appetizers: Use toothpicks for easy serving, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- In Wraps: Wrap a few meatballs in large lettuce leaves with avocado slices for a keto-friendly wrap.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
To make the most of your leftovers, here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the texture may be softer.
Recipe FAQs
1. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! By using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, these meatballs are naturally gluten-free and keto-compliant.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well in this recipe and offers a similar texture and flavor.
3. How spicy are Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
The spiciness depends on the Buffalo sauce you choose. If you want milder meatballs, opt for a medium or mild Buffalo sauce, or mix in some melted butter to cut the heat.
4. Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, air frying is a great option! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. What’s the best way to bind keto meatballs?
Almond flour is ideal for keto recipes, as it keeps the meatballs low in carbs while binding them well. Adding an egg also helps the meatballs hold together without crumbling.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - These juicy, bite-sized meatballs pack all the flavor of Buffalo wings without the carbs or mess. Perfect as a party appetizer, game day snack, or even as part of a meal.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce (divided)
- 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, 1/2 cup of Buffalo sauce, almond flour, and the egg. Mix gently until just blended – add a bit more almond flour if needed until the mixture sticks together.
- Form Meatballs: Scoop and roll into 1-inch meatballs (about 24 meatballs) and place on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until they’re fully cooked and slightly golden.
- Coat & Serve: Toss the cooked meatballs in the remaining 1/2 cup of Buffalo sauce for that extra kick. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if you like!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 360Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 168mgSodium 1610mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 33g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delicious, low-carb way to enjoy the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken without sacrificing your diet. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic addition to any keto recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a quick snack, or want a simple keto meal, these meatballs won’t disappoint!
Still hungry! Try my other keto pudding recipes: