Description
These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and creamy appetizer or entrée option featuring tender chicken meatballs baked to perfection and tossed in a rich, tangy buffalo ranch sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely diced or grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (minced)
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
Buffalo Ranch Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (approx. 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350˚F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1/4 cup milk, crushed garlic, finely diced or grated onion, minced parsley, and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients. Then add the ground chicken and mix until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Shape and bake the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 2-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Make the buffalo ranch sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together the softened cream cheese, butter, sour cream, 1 cup milk, buffalo sauce, one packet of ranch seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and combined.
- Toss meatballs in sauce: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs into the saucepan and stir gently to coat them evenly with the buffalo ranch sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Garnish the sauced meatballs with chopped green onions. Serve these flavorful meatballs as a delicious appetizer or over rice or greens for a hearty entrée. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165˚F for safe consumption.
- Use freshly crushed garlic for the best flavor in the meatballs.
- Ranch seasoning packets typically contain about 1 tablespoon; adjust according to your taste preference.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the milk quantity or cook slightly longer to thicken.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently in the sauce before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey if preferred for a leaner option.
