Hello, fellow food lover! I’m Patricia from Patricia Universe, and I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite crowd-pleasers with you. This recipe for Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Meatballs has saved me countless times when hosting game nights, potlucks, or just needing a quick, healthy dinner that satisfies my cravings without the guilt. It perfectly combines zesty flavor with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- The Perfect Game Day Buffalo Bites
- Meal Prep Magic with Spicy Meatballs
- Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
- Serving Suggestions to Impress
- Beyond Game Day
- The Recipe: Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Notes and Tips
Key Takeaways
These Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, protein-packed appetizer or main dish that comes together in about 35 minutes. They are baked, not fried, and use almond flour to keep them perfectly low-carb and gluten-free. Coated in a classic spicy buffalo sauce, they’re an irresistible, healthy twist on traditional game-day favorites that are sure to please any crowd.
Why This Recipe Works
When it comes to easy low carb recipes, simplicity is key. This recipe gets its genius from a few core principles. First, using ground chicken keeps the meatballs light and lean. Almond flour acts as a fantastic binder that adds a subtle nuttiness without the carbs of breadcrumbs. Baking them ensures they get golden and cooked through without any messy frying. Finally, the homemade buffalo sauce—just three ingredients—allows you to control the heat and flavor perfectly, coating each meatball in that signature tangy, spicy goodness. It’s the ultimate combination of health-conscious cooking and bold flavor.
The Perfect Game Day Buffalo Bites
If you’re looking for the ultimate finger food, look no further. These spicy, savory meatballs are designed to be the star of your snack table. They are perfectly sized for popping in your mouth, and their bold flavor stands up to even the most robust dips. Pair them with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crisp celery sticks for the classic buffalo experience. They’re a guaranteed hit, proving that you don’t need wings to win at game day.
Meal Prep Magic with Spicy Meatballs
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility for healthy meal prep. You can bake a double batch of the plain meatballs on a Sunday and store them in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer to get that crispy exterior back, then toss them in the sauce right before serving. They are fantastic over a bed of zucchini noodles with extra sauce for a satisfying low-carb dinner, or tossed into a salad for a protein boost. This makes them a fantastic solution for quick and easy weeknight dinners.
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
The beauty of these low carb chicken recipes lies in their clean ingredient list. For the best texture, I recommend using 93% lean ground chicken. The small amount of fat helps keep the meatballs moist. If you need a substitute for almond flour due to allergies, finely crushed pork rinds work wonderfully for a strict keto version. And for the hot sauce, stick with a classic like Frank’s RedHot for that authentic buffalo flavor—it has the perfect balance of heat and vinegar tang.
Serving Suggestions to Impress
Presentation is everything! Serve these buffalo chicken meatballs straight from the skillet for a rustic feel, or on a elegant platter garnished with extra fresh herbs. For a party, I love setting them out with small skewers for easy grabbing. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—offer both ranch and blue cheese to please all your guests. Surrounding them with colorful veggie sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers not only adds a fresh crunch but also makes your spread look vibrant and inviting.
Beyond Game Day
While these are perfect for football Sundays, their usefulness extends far beyond. They make a fantastic, protein-packed lunch for kids and adults alike. Tuck them into a lettuce wrap with some shredded lettuce and a drizzle of dressing for a handheld meal. You can even crumble them over a big, leafy salad. They are a testament to how a great recipe can fit seamlessly into your everyday life, providing delicious and healthy comfort food whenever you need it.
Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
For the Buffalo Sauce & Topping
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
- Fresh parsley or celery sticks for garnish
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, almond flour, egg, chopped celery, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Form and Bake
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs (you should get about 20). Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Make the Buffalo Sauce
- While the meatballs bake, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a large bowl until smooth.
Coat and Serve
- Once the meatballs are done, let them cool for a minute or two. Transfer the warm meatballs to the bowl with the Buffalo sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with celery sticks or a side of ranch dressing.
Leave a Comment