FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Just Got A Glow-Up
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• My Tips For Tender, Juicy Results
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

My Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Just Got A Glow-Up

I’ve been making these buffalo chicken meatballs since 2019, but I re-tested and updated the recipe this year, and now they’re even better. Every bite has that tangy, meaty, cheesy combo that reminds me of a plate of buffalo wings … just less messy. Here’s why I love them even more than before:

• Buffalo sauce inside and out – Most buffalo chicken meatball recipes I’ve seen just coat regular ones in sauce, but I add buffalo sauce right into the meat in addition to the outside. While this doesn’t add a ton of spice inside, it makes the meatballs much more tender and juicy.
• New and improved texture – I swapped in my now-go-to binders (yep, the same ones I use in my classic chicken meatballs ), used a whole egg instead of just the whites, and made a few changes to the method. It’s still the same bold, cheesy, saucy flavor I’ve loved since the beginning… just a little more tender, a little more sturdy, and a lot more foolproof.
• Perfect, healthy apps or dinner main – People often think of buffalo chicken meatballs as game day appetizers , but I love serving them as a healthy dinner , too. They’re protein-packed, easy to make ahead, and super satisfying with a veggie side.

If you love buffalo anything and everything (like my husband does ;)), these buffalo chicken meatballs are for you. Make them with me!

“This is another recipe that gets gobbled up every time I make them! By boys eat them with rice and my husband and I eat them with zoodles! We love the kick!” –Sarah

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my buffalo chicken meatballs recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Ground Chicken – I actually first made these with ground turkey, but after hearing from you, it was clear chicken was the favorite! That said, you can still use turkey, beef, or any ground meat you like. If you’ve got whole chicken breasts instead, make my baked buffalo chicken .
• Buffalo Sauce – This brings the signature tangy heat! I use it both in the meatball mix and as a coating. You can use any hot sauce you like, but this one is my favorite .
• Binders – I bind my buffalo chicken meatballs with a mix of grated parmesan cheese and Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour , which gives them the best texture because it’s finer than other brands and less dry than regular flour. I’ve also had good results making these with gluten-free breadcrumbs .
• Egg – You can swap in a flax egg if needed.
• Blue Cheese – For a sharp, creamy bite that balances the heat. If you’re not a fan, shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even crumbled feta (like one reader recommended to me) works.
• Green Onions – For a fresh, slightly sweet crunch inside and a pop of color on top. Chives make a good alternative, or you can throw in a few cloves of minced garlic.
• Butter – This mellows out the buffalo sauce and helps it cling to the meatballs. I prefer this unsalted grass-fed brand , and find that salted makes the coating too salty.
• Ranch Dressing – Totally optional, but it’s a cooling contrast to the heat. I usually drizzle it on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Make the base mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the parmesan, almond flour, egg, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper. Fold in the blue cheese and green onions.
2. Mix in the meat. Add the ground chicken and gently mix, just until it comes together.

1. Shape and bake. Form into meatballs and place on a lined sheet pan. Pop them in the oven until cooked through.
2. Make the sauce. Warm the buffalo sauce and butter in the microwave or on the stove, then whisk until smooth and hot.
3. Toss and serve. Coat the meatballs in the warm sauce. I like to top these buffalo chicken meatballs with ranch, more blue cheese, and green onions before serving.

My Tips For Tender, Juicy Results

• Be careful not to overmix the meat. This is why I always mix everything else before adding the ground chicken. Mixing too much makes these buffalo chicken meatballs more dense and less tender after baking. Besides, a more gentle hand keeps pieces of blue cheese intact, which is delicious here.
• Use slightly wet hands to shape the meatballs. This helps prevent sticking.
• For a tender texture, form the meatballs gently. My kids helped me make my last batch of these, and I described it as “think hot potato, not play dough”. This prevents the meat from getting too warm, which makes the meatballs more tough.
• A cookie scoop is great for even portions. I use this one . It also helps minimize warming up the meat (see above).
• If your meat mixture feels warm or extra sticky even with wet hands, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps remove some of the stickiness.
• Use a meat thermometer for best results. Ideally the buffalo chicken meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. They can dry out if they go much higher.
• Why are my meatballs not perfectly round? These are so tender that they spread a tiny bit, and I say who cares, because they taste amazing! But if you want them perfectly round, you may want to add an extra 1/4 cup of almond flour or parmesan to make them firmer.
• You can also pan fry these buffalo chicken meatballs if you like. I prefer the baked version because they come out extra moist and tender, but pan frying gets you a nice golden brown exterior. The timing would be about the same as my regular chicken meatball recipe .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Meatballs:

• 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese ▢
• 1/4 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour ▢
• 1 large Egg ▢
• 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/2 cup Blue cheese (crumbled; plus more for topping if you like) ▢
• 1/2 cup Green onions (sliced; plus more for topping if you like) ▢
• 1 1/2 lb Ground chicken ▢

Coating & Topping:

• 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce ▢
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter ▢
• 1/3 cup Ranch dressing (optional, for serving) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper. Fold in the blue cheese and green onions.
3. Add the ground chicken. Mix until just combined. (Don’t overmix.)
4. Form the mixture into 1-inch (2.5-cm) meatballs and place on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes , until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl in the microwave or a small saucepan on the stove, heat the buffalo sauce and butter together, until melted. Whisk until smooth and hot.
6. When the buffalo chicken meatballs are done, gently toss them with the buffalo sauce mixture. If you like, serve them with a drizzle of ranch dressing, extra blue cheese crumbles, and extra green onions.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 6 meatballs

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make the juiciest meatballs, shape them with ease, and cook them perfectly.
• Storage: Keep leftover buffalo chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm them in the oven or microwave. I usually toss with a little extra buffalo sauce afterward.
• Freeze for meal prep: I prefer to freeze these without the sauce if possible. Arrange them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Then, you can transfer them to a zip lock bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight, add buffalo sauce, and bake until hot. It’s okay to freeze them with sauce too, but the texture isn’t as nice and I still recommend adding more after heating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Serving Ideas

I love these as apps, but here are some more ideas to go with them:

• Classics – You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of celery sticks and carrots. They add crunch and freshness, and pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Easy Sides – Like I said above, I love serving these buffalo chicken meatballs for dinner, and they pair perfectly with simple sides like roasted veggies , a quick salad or broccoli slaw , or something to soak up the sauce like mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles .
• Appetizer Spread – When I’m serving these up for a crowd, I like to pair them with other party favorites like deviled eggs , tortilla chips with guac or queso , or a big snack board with cheese and pickles.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

My buffalo chicken meatballs are super juicy with bold, tangy flavor! They make the perfect party appetizer or easy weeknight dinner.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/buffalo-chicken-meatballs/

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 cup Blue cheese (crumbled; plus more for topping if you like)
• 1/2 cup Green onions (sliced; plus more for topping if you like)
• 1 1/2 lb Ground chicken

Coating & Topping:

• 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup Ranch dressing (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper. Fold in the blue cheese and green onions.
3. Add the ground chicken. Mix until just combined. (Don’t overmix.)
4. Form the mixture into 1-inch (2.5-cm) meatballs and place on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes , until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl in the microwave or a small saucepan on the stove, heat the buffalo sauce and butter together, until melted. Whisk until smooth and hot.
6. When the buffalo chicken meatballs are done, gently toss them with the buffalo sauce mixture. If you like, serve them with a drizzle of ranch dressing, extra blue cheese crumbles, and extra green onions.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 6 meatballs

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make the juiciest meatballs, shape them with ease, and cook them perfectly.
• Storage: Keep leftover buffalo chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm them in the oven or microwave. I usually toss with a little extra buffalo sauce afterward.
• Freeze for meal prep: I prefer to freeze these without the sauce if possible. Arrange them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Then, you can transfer them to a zip lock bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight, add buffalo sauce, and bake until hot. It’s okay to freeze them with sauce too, but the texture isn’t as nice and I still recommend adding more after heating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)