Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that also happens to be perfect for a speedy, stress-free weeknight meal, meet these Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwiches. Packed with bold flavor, this playful twist on classic buffalo chicken wings is all about juicy chicken meatballs, a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce, and creamy blue cheese dressing—all tucked inside a soft, toasted roll. You won’t believe how easy and fuss-free these sandwiches come together, making them a go-to for quick dinners or game day gatherings when you want big flavors without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every detail in these sandwiches matters, and it’s all about building texture and layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s included:

• Frank’s RedHot Wings Buffalo Sauce: For that classic, spicy-tangy buffalo flavor. No substitutes really match the real deal here—don’t reach for generic sauce!
• Butter: Mixed with the hot sauce, this transforms the bite of buffalo into a rich, silky coating.
• Ground Chicken (preferably thigh meat): Thighs give juicier, more flavorful meatballs than breast meat. If you can, skip the lean!
• Green Onions: Both the white and green parts add little pops of freshness all throughout.
• Garlic: Minced garlic amps up the savoriness in every bite.
• Celery: Finely minced for flavor and a subtle crunch—celery belongs in anything buffalo!
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together for a meatball that holds up.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Don’t be shy—these boost and balance all the flavors.
• Plain Breadcrumbs: These ensure your meatballs are tender (not dense or rubbery!).
• Canola Oil: A quick brush gives the meatballs a golden, slightly crisp exterior in the oven.
• Bolillo or Hoagie Rolls: Look for something soft with a sturdy crust—perfect for catching all that sauce without falling apart.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy, cool, and tangy—classic buffalo’s best friend.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese: Optional, but for blue cheese lovers, this is non-negotiable!
• Optional Cheese: Melt provolone or havarti on the rolls for extra gooey goodness.
• Leftover Tips: Extra blue cheese dressing is perfect for dipping veggies or drizzling on salads.

Variations

Buffalo chicken is all about customization! Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Milder Heat: Use a milder buffalo sauce or a half-and-half combination with ranch if you want less spice.
• Extra Cheesy: Add sliced provolone or havarti to the rolls before baking them for a melty bonus.
• Change the Protein: Ground turkey works beautifully in place of chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Sub gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls to make these sandwiches celiac-friendly.
• No Blue Cheese? Use ranch dressing instead, or swap for a dairy-free alternative to keep it lactose-friendly.
• Vegetarian Twist: Try this method with plant-based “chicken” for a meatless buffalo fix.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwiches

Step 1: Make the Buffalo Sauce

Reserve ¼ cup of the buffalo sauce to mix with the meatballs themselves (this is the secret to that all-the-way-through flavor!). Combine the remaining sauce with butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, whisk into a glossy, creamy buffalo sauce. Cover and set aside off heat.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a big mixing bowl, use your hands to combine ground chicken, reserved buffalo sauce, green onions, minced garlic, celery, eggs, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Gently work the mixture together—overmixing is the enemy of tender meatballs, so just blend until incorporated.

Scoop the mixture with a 2-inch cookie scoop (or use a heaping tablespoon) to portion out even meatballs onto a sheet pan. Dip your hands in water (this makes rolling SO much easier and less sticky!), then roll the meatballs smooth and uniform. Brush the tops lightly with canola oil for a gorgeous finish.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Roast at 450°F for 10 minutes, then crank the heat to 500°F for another 5 minutes to brown the tops. The higher blast will give them a bit of color and keep them juicy inside.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs in Sauce

Warm that skillet of buffalo sauce back over medium heat. Add in the hot meatballs, tossing gently until every side is shiny and drenched in saucy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Sandwiches

Split your rolls and toast until warm (you can even add that extra cheese slice now for melty sandwiches!). Generously slather the inside with blue cheese dressing, then nestle in three saucy meatballs per roll. Finish with crumbled blue cheese, more dressing if you like, and you’re ready to dig in.

How to Serve

A Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwich practically begs for casual, fun sides. Here’s how to make it a full meal:

Pairings:

• Classic Sides: Serve with crunchy carrot and celery sticks to echo that “buffalo wings” experience.
• Chips or Fries: Go for kettle chips or crispy oven fries to catch any extra sauce (because you’re going to want every last bit).
• Dips: Put out extra blue cheese or ranch for dunking.
• Salad: A crisp green salad cuts through the richness and is a perfect match.

For Entertaining:

Slice sandwiches in half for party platters or game day feasts, or turn the meatballs into sliders for bite-sized fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover meatballs will keep beautifully stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in a sealed container, ideally separate from the rolls to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freeze baked, unsauced meatballs in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and toss with buffalo sauce before serving.

Reheating

Warm meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in intervals until piping hot. Toast rolls right before assembling to bring back that just-baked taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about buffalo chicken in meatball form—a little kick, plenty of creamy coolness, and a hint of crunch from the veggies. Packed into a toasted roll and dripping with sauce, these Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sandwiches are sure to become your new weeknight staple or game-day treat. Gather your ingredients, get a little messy, and enjoy every bold, zesty bite. Give this recipe a try—the payoff in flavor and fun is unbeatable!

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