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    Home Β» Recipes

    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs πŸ₯˜

    Published: Aug 15, 2018 Β· Updated: May 10, 2023 by Cast Iron Keto Β· 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Get ready to fall head over heels for the incredible combo of buffalo chicken and blue cheese in these mouthwatering Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballsβ€”they're simply irresistible!

    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in a skillet

    If your local grocery store sells ground chicken in their meat department, it can save you a lot of time and effort than grinding your own. The last time we made these, we had to grind the chicken in a Vitamix, and while it was effective, it was also one of the most aggravating things to clean.

    Easy-to-clean-up meals are among our favorite things, so this is a win-win. If you're a fan of meatballs, this really is one of the easiest and most delicious meatball recipes on CIK. The deliciousness-to-effort ratio is right where I like it for a quick, easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

    Preparation and cooking overview

    Whip up these delectable Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs by first mixing the ground chicken, red bell pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Next, shape the mixture into 16 evenly-sized meatballs and cook them in a hot, buttered cast iron skillet until golden brown. With these easy steps, you'll have a savory and satisfying dish ready to enjoy in no time!

    Chef's note

    To give your meatballs an extra burst of flavor, consider adding your favorite low-carb hot sauce or buffalo sauce to the mix. Experiment with the spice level and additional seasonings to make these meatballs uniquely yours.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

    πŸ₯˜ Ingredients for this Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe

    • 1 lb ground chicken
    • Β½ red bell pepper minced
    • 2 green onions minced
    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Β½ teaspoon salt
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
    • 1 cup Franks RedHot
    • black pepper (personal preference)

    Ingredient substitutions

    • Ground chicken: You can substitute ground turkey, ground beef, or ground pork for ground chicken.
    • Red bell pepper: You can substitute other low-carb vegetables, such as chopped celery, zucchini, or mushrooms, for the red bell pepper.
    • Franks RedHot: This hot sauce is already keto-friendly, but you can use other brands with no added sugars.
    • Butter: You can use coconut oil or ghee instead of butter.
    • Blue cheese: You can substitute feta or goat cheese for the blue cheese.

    Toppings

    • ΒΌ cup blue cheese
    • 1 green onion chopped
    • 1 stalk chopped celery

    Cooking tools required

    To make this Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe, you will need the following cooking equipment and tools:

    • Mixing bowl
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    • Food processor or blender
    • Oven
    • Cooking spray or oil
    • Tongs or spatula
    • Kitchen timer

    Optional tools

    • Stand mixer with a paddle attachment
    • Cookie scoop
    • Instant-read thermometer

    How to make Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: step-by-step guide

    Cooking methods

    These delicious keto meatballs can be cooked with various methods. You can choose any method you want. Just take care to follow the cooking instructions for perfectly cooked keto meatballs.

    • Stovetop
    • Oven Baked
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

    How to prepare the meatballs?

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine meatball ingredients like lean ground chicken, red bell pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
    2. Use your hands to roll the chicken mixture into 16 evenly golf ball size shaped meatballs.
    3. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
    4. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Let them cool for a while, or put them into the fridge before baking or cooking further. This will help retain the juices in the sausage balls.

    Stovetop method

    1. Cook the meatballs until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165Β°F, remove them from the skillet, and set them aside.
    2. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of Franks RedHot sauce and stir well to combine to become spicy buffalo sauce.
    3. Return the meatballs to the skillet with the hot sauce and toss them until they are evenly coated.
    4. As desired, top the cooked meatballs with chopped blue cheese, green onion, and celery.
    5. Serve immediately with optional blue cheese dressing, and enjoy your delicious keto appetizer!

    Oven method

    1. Place the meatballs in the oven on a prepared baking sheet at 350Β°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly browned.
    2. While the meatballs are baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of Franks RedHot sauce and stir well to combine.
    3. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the hot sauce. Toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
    4. As desired, top the meatballs with chopped blue cheese, green onion, and celery.
    5. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious keto recipe!

    Air Fryer instructions

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 375Β°F.
    2. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the meatballs inside.
    3. Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly browned.
    4. While the meatballs are cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of Franks RedHot sauce and stir well to combine.
    5. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to the skillet with the hot sauce. Toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
    6. Top the meatballs with chopped blue cheese, green onion,Β½ teaspoon pepper, and celery, as desired.
    7. Serve hot buffalo chicken meatballs by air fryer method!

    Instant pot method

    You can also make instant pot chicken meatballs for an even quicker cooking time.

    1. Put the meatballs in sauce in the crockpot. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 5 minutes.
    2. Once the time is up, use the quick-release valve to release the pressure. Remove the lid and switch to the sautΓ© function to cook for another 1-2 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the sauce has thickened. Voila, your instant pot buffalo chicken meatballs are ready to serve!

    Slow cooker method

    You can also make slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs for an easy, hands-off cooking method.

    1. Combine the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and stir to coat. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165Β°F.
    2. Once cooked, you can serve the meatballs as is or switch the slow cooker to the sautΓ© function to thicken the sauce for a few minutes. Serve your buffalo chicken meatballs crockpot way!

    Chef's pro tip

    One important pro tip is to handle the meat mixture as little as possible. Overworking the mixture can result in tough and dense meatballs. When mixing the ingredients, use a light hand and avoid packing the mixture too tightly. Gently roll the mixture into balls and avoid compressing them. This will help keep tender, juicy meatballs.

    What to serve with keto buffalo chicken balls?

    There are many delicious and keto-friendly options to serve with meatballs. Here are a few ideas:

    • Cauliflower rice: This is a great low-carb meal option that pairs well with the spicy flavors of the meatballs.
    • Zucchini noodles: Also known as "zoodles," these noodles are a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta.
    • Roasted vegetables: Roasting broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
    • Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes can balance out the spiciness of the meatballs and provide a fresh, crunchy texture.
    • Avocado: Sliced avocado is a creamy and nutrient-dense addition to any meal and pairs particularly well with the bold flavors of the meatballs.
    • Cheese: Serve the meatballs with cheese of choice like blue cheese, cheddar, or feta for added richness and flavor as a healthy appetizer.

    By incorporating these sides, you can create a complete and balanced meal that complements the flavors and nutritional benefits of the amazing Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipes.

    How to make it healthier

    Keto Meatballs are already a healthier option than traditional meatballs as they use keto-friendly ingredients that are low in carbs and healthy fats. However, here are some additional tips to make them even healthier:

    • Add more veggies: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the meatball mixture. This will add more fiber and nutrients to the dish and help increase its overall nutritional value.
    • Choose a healthier cooking method: While frying the meatballs in butter is delicious, it can also increase the dish's fat content. Consider baking the meatballs in the oven or using an air fryer instead. These methods require less added fat and can produce a similar crispy texture.
    • Use a low-sodium sauce: Consider using a lower-sodium hot sauce or making your homemade sauce using fresh ingredients.
    • Watch the toppings: While blue cheese can add great flavor and texture to the dish, it can also be high in calories and fat. Use it in moderation.

    Time-saving tips

    Here are some time-saving expert tips that can help when making this perfect appetizer:

    • Plan ahead: Take some time to plan out your meals for the week, as meal planning is the key. This will help you save time for grocery shopping and meal preparation.
    • Prep ahead: Meal prep saves a lot of time. For example, you can chop vegetables, cook grains, or marinate meats the night before. This will make it easier and faster to put together your meals.
    • Use time-saving tools: Many kitchen tools can save you time, such as a food processor, blender, or slow cooker, to make your favorite food. These tools can help you quickly chop ingredients, puree sauces, or cook meals while you're away, and you can also get a firm meatball texture just like the restaurant ones.
    • Cook in batches: Consider making larger batches of food and freezing leftovers for later. In the long run, this can save you time and money, as you'll have meals ready to go when you don't have time to cook.
    • Keep it simple: Don't overcomplicate your meals with too many ingredients or complex recipes. Focus on simple, healthy meals that can be prepared quickly and easily.

    Storage and reheating instructions

    To store leftover meatballs, allow them to cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. To do this, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them using your preferred method.

    To reheat the meatballs, there are several options:

    • Microwave: Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.
    • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F. Place the meatballs in an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
    • Stovetop: Heat the meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, occasionally stirring, until heated through.

    When reheating the meatballs, ensure the perfect heat level, as overcooking can make them dry and tough. It's best to reheat them in small batches to ensure even heating. Additionally, you can add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the dish before reheating to help keep the meatballs moist.

    Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are an incredible dinner choice for those who crave zesty and bold flavors. Packed with keto-approved ingredients like ground chicken, hot sauce, and seasonings, these meatballs make a tasty and nutritious addition to your keto meal plan. Serve them with your favorite low-carb sides for an adaptable dish perfect for any time of day.

    If you're searching for a tasty weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer, these low-carb chicken meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping you on track with your keto objectives. So, go ahead and give them a whirlβ€”you'll be hooked on their mouthwatering goodness!

    Frequently asked questions

    Traditional buffalo sauce can be high in carbs as it typically contains added sugars and other high-carb ingredients. However, you can make a keto-friendly version of buffalo sauce using ingredients like hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, and vinegar. This homemade buffalo sauce is low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet.

    Blue cheese is a popular choice with a keto chicken meatball recipe, but other keto-friendly cheeses such as mozzarella, goat cheese, and cheddar cheese can also be used.

    πŸ“– Recipe

    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in a skillet

    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

    These Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs make a great low-carb appetizer or snack! They're also great with mashed cauliflower as an entree. Serves 4 as a meal or 6 as an appetizer.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gameday
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 328kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground chicken
    • Β½ red bell pepper minced
    • 2 green onions minced
    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Β½ teaspoon salt
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
    • 1 cup Franks RedHot

    Toppings:

    • ΒΌ cup blue cheese
    • 1 green onion chopped
    • 1 stalk celery chopped

    Instructions

    • Mix chicken, red bell pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt together in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into 16 meatballs.
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Fry meatballs 3-4 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165Β° F.
    • Add the remaining 1 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the hot sauce. Toss with meatballs. Top with toppings and serve.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 328 Calories from Fat 234
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 26g40%
    Saturated Fat 10g63%
    Cholesterol 129mg43%
    Sodium 2366mg103%
    Potassium 682mg19%
    Carbohydrates 3g1%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 22g44%
    Vitamin A 1129IU23%
    Vitamin C 21mg25%
    Calcium 58mg6%
    Iron 1mg6%
    *

    Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

    # Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
    « Keto Green Chile Chicken
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Justin says

      September 09, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      What is the serving size? Wondering if the macros listed are per meatball.

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        September 13, 2018 at 3:21 pm

        The serving size is listed at the top of the recipe card. The nutritional information is for one serving.

        Reply
    2. Andre says

      October 07, 2018 at 2:57 pm

      These were fantastic-whole family loved them.

      Reply
    3. Kristina says

      January 03, 2019 at 4:13 pm

      I'm sorry I'm just not getting it. The whole recipe makes 16 meatballs and the yield is 6, so the nutritional information is for 6 meatballs? Sorry, I just want to make sure I'm using the right macros! Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        January 09, 2019 at 7:30 pm

        The yield should say servings, sorry about that typo. This recipe serves 6 as an appetizer. If you want to make this easier just make 18 meatballs and the serving size would be 3 meatballs per serving. Hope this helps!

        Reply
      • Wanda says

        January 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        This recipe sounds delicious. But a stalk of celery sounds like WAY too much! I think I'll cut it down to a few ribs.

        Reply

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