Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

This is a recipe for spicy chicken meatballs made with jalapeno and serrano peppers (optional!). They are served with classic Buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles Pure Madness style.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon taco seasonings (Cajun is GREAT here as well)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 1/4 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup panko
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled blue cheese and blue cheese dressing for serving
• Chopped scallions, fresh chopped herbs, and spicy chili flakes for serving

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1 cup hot pepper sauce
• 4 teaspoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Vegetable Mix

1. Heat Oil:
   Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up.
2. Cook Vegetables:
   Add the chopped celery, onion, jalapeno pepper, and optional serrano pepper to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic:
   Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Cool Mixture:
   Remove the pan from heat and transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients

1. Combine Ingredients:
   Once the vegetable mix has cooled slightly, add the taco seasonings, beaten egg, ground chicken, and panko breadcrumbs to the bowl.
2. Season:
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix:
   Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix as this can make the meatballs mealy in texture.

Form the Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) if you plan to bake the meatballs.
2. Shape Meatballs:
   Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20 meatballs from this mixture.

Cook the Meatballs

1. Stovetop Method:
   Heat the pan again over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, roughly 10 minutes total until they are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Baked Version:
   Alternatively, you can place the meatballs on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients:
   While the meatballs are cooking, add the hot pepper sauce, butter, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to a small pot.
2. Heat Sauce:
   Heat the mixture gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter has melted and the sauce is well combined.

Combine and Serve

1. Coat Meatballs:
   Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving bowl.
2. Add Sauce:
   Pour the prepared Buffalo sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Garnish:
   Serve the meatballs topped with crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of blue cheese dressing, chopped scallions, fresh chopped herbs, and a sprinkle of spicy chili flakes.

Additional Tips

• Cheese Options: If blue cheese isn't your favorite, you can use feta or gorgonzola as an alternative.
• Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks.
• Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy and savory treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the bold flavors and the satisfying combination of chicken, cheese, and peppers!