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Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls

Buffalo Chicken Balls

Try these spicy Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls for Game-Day!! Serve with celery, carrots and Blue Cheese Dressing.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce or any other favorite hot sauce
  • 1 pound ground chicken, preferably thigh meat
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 celery stalk, minced
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Drizzle the vegetable oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.
  2. Combine the butter and hot sauce in a small saucepan, and cook over low heat, whisking until the butter is melted and fully incorporated. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Combine the hot sauce mixture, ground chicken, egg, celery, bread crumbs, and salt in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Roll the mixture into round, 3/4 -inch balls, making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.
  5. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should read 165°F.
  6. Allow the meatballs to cool for 5 minutes in the baking dish before serving.

Notes

To store your Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls and keep them fresh for later enjoyment, follow these guidelines:

  1. Cooling Down: Allow the chicken balls to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the balls soggy.
  2. Refrigeration: Place the cooled Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper or place them in a single layer to prevent sticking. Seal the container tightly to keep out moisture and odors.
  3. Fridge Storage: Store the container in the refrigerator. The chicken balls will typically stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
  4. Freezing: If you want to store the chicken balls for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Properly frozen, they can stay good for up to 2-3 months.
  5. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the chicken balls, if frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can either use an oven or microwave. For the oven, place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 10-15 minutes). In the microwave, use short bursts, checking and stirring in between, until they’re heated evenly.
  6. Serving: Once reheated, serve your Mini Buffalo Chicken Balls with your favorite dipping sauces, veggies, or on their own. The crispy exterior and flavorful interior will surely make your taste buds dance with joy!

Remember that while reheating can restore their temperature, the texture might not be exactly the same as when freshly made. Enjoy these delicious bites while they’re at their best, and they’ll surely be a hit every time you serve them!