Experience the irresistible taste of Buffalo-Style Chicken Meatball Subs, a delightful twist on traditional buffalo wings transformed into juicy meatballs, perfectly sandwiched in a hearty sub roll. This dish combines the spicy zing of buffalo sauce with tender ground chicken meatballs, all topped with your choice of savory garnishes.
Overview of Buffalo-Style Chicken Meatball Subs
This dish is an excellent option for anyone looking to spice up their mealtime with something hearty and flavorful. The meatballs are a savory blend of ground chicken, spices, and buffalo sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.
Essential Ingredients and Suggestions
- Ground Chicken: The foundation of our meatballs, providing a light yet hearty base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add a light, crisp texture to the meatballs, ensuring they remain juicy inside. If unavailable, standard breadcrumbs can be substituted, though the texture will slightly differ.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning: Enhances the meatballs with a tangy, herby flavor. Homemade seasoning can elevate the taste even further.
- Buffalo Sauce: A crucial ingredient, imparting a bold, spicy flavor that’s iconic to buffalo dishes. Homemade or store-bought buffalo sauce can be used, depending on your preference.
- Toppings: Blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing are classic pairings with buffalo-flavored dishes, adding a creamy texture and tangy taste that complements the spicy meatballs.
Preparation Steps for Convenience
- Meatball Preparation: Assemble the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them to save on preparation time during busy days.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version or to avoid frying, the meatballs can be baked in the oven until fully cooked and golden.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigeration: Cooked meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week.
- Freezing: Both cooked and uncooked meatballs can be frozen for future use, making this dish a great make-ahead option for meal planning.
Recipe Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 pounds (907g) of ground chicken
- 1 cup (108g) of plain panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (56g) of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning
- ½ cup (120ml) of buffalo sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of canola oil, for frying
- 1 tablespoon (14g) of unsalted butter, for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Ranch dressing
- Chopped green onions
Cooking Instructions
Meatball Preparation:
- Prep the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, eggs, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, half
- the buffalo sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the mixture.
- Form Meatballs: With greased hands, form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook Meatballs: In a skillet, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Fry meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste with the remaining buffalo sauce.
Oven Baking Alternative:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these buffalo chicken meatballs on sub rolls with optional toppings such as blue cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions for a full-flavored meal.
Enjoy the bold flavors and satisfying textures of these Buffalo-Style Chicken Meatball Subs, perfect for any occasion that calls for a hearty, flavorful dish.
