Buffalo Chicken Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Buffalo Meatballs

I recently introduced my 15 year old to Frank's Hot Sauce, he's been on a bit a of spicy kick recently when it comes to food, so has been wanting all things spicy.

After my recent Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake recipe, he has been adding hot sauce to everything - eggs, grilled cheese. I even watched him drizzling it on popcorn (not sure about that one, but he loved it). Another buffalo inspired recipe just seemed and must and if there is one thing my kids love, it's meatballs. So Buffalo Sweet and Spicy Meatballs is was.

What is Hot Sauce for Buffalo Chicken Recipes?

Well that's pretty easy - it's got to be Frank's Red Hot Sauce, but really any hot sauce will do.

In the UK it should be available at most grocery stores. See stockists here - but as an alternative any brand of hot sauce will do. Just be aware that some are much hotter than others. So you may want to add a little bit at a time and keep tasting until it's your desired heat.

What Ingredients are in Buffalo Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs?

This meatball recipe does not contain anything too complicated. To keep the meatballs juicy and tender, I always like to add some breadcrumbs and an egg to the mix, it locks in the moisture and juices and stops them drying out. Along with those I also like to add in some sauteed very finely chopped onion and carrot. It's a great way to sneak some veggies into a dish too.

The sauce is simple - hot sauce, apricot jam (although any similar jam will work - mango, pineapple etc), tomato puree (paste) and water. That's it. Easy eh?

Can I use another ground meat (mince) for meatballs?

I used chicken as it's what my kids like the most for meatballs, but turkey or pork mince will work perfectly fine too. I don't recommend beef for this recipe, as it will be a bit too rich and overpower the other flavours.

I also recommend not going any lower than 5% fat mince for these, any less can be a bit dry.

Sides for Buffalo Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs

These will go well with a variety of different sides. I paired them with some cooked rice, and sauteed courgette (zucchini). I just added a little pinch of paprika and salt and black pepper to the zucchini and cooked in a little olive oil spray. Any veggies would pair well though, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, shredded cabbage.

For other sides, some of these are great options:

• Garlic Hasselback Potatoes
• Roasted French Green Beans
• Garlic and Herb Roast Potatoes
• Roasted Butternut Squash Rice
• Creamy Cheesy Vegetable Bake
• Crushed Roast Potatoes
• Lime and Coriander Rice
• Perfect Baked Oven Fries

or just some plain noodles with stir fried veggies is great too.

More Meatball Recipes

Love meatballs? Check out these other recipes:

• Chicken Meatballs in Hoisin Sauce
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Meatball Pasta (Gluten Free and Dairy Free)
• Lamb Meatballs with Mint Gravy
• Moussaka Meatballs
• Saucy Asian Hidden Vegetable Beef Meatballs
• Firecracker Chicken Meatballs (Instant Pot and Stove Top)
• Porcupine Meatballs
• Coconut Beef Meatball Curry
• Chicken and Mango Meatballs with a Spicy Mango Sauce

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