Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

**Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh, Recipe Developer and Food Blogger, Healthyish Foods**

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 45 mins Serves: 34 Meatballs

These stuffed buffalo chicken meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Simply bake the meatballs and load them with all the toppings. Serve this spicy appetizer directly from the sheet pan or add it to a platter. Either way, this easy chicken appetizer is a winner.

This recipe is perfect for game day or any gathering. The meatballs have the perfect amount of spice and are super juicy. I stuffed mine with mini mozzarella pearls, but this step is optional. However, the extra cheese is so tasty! I was able to get 34 mini meatballs from this recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb. Smart Chicken Ground Chicken
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces mozzarella pearls, one pearl per mini meatball
For the toppings:
¼ cup buffalo sauce, drizzle over cooked meatballs
¼ cup yogurt ranch, drizzle over cooked meatballs
½ cup green onion, chopped, sprinkle over cooked meatballs
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle over cooked meatballs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking tray with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, pepper, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg and olive oil. Using your hands, mix until well combined. Try not to overwork the meat. Grab a small portion of meat and press a small dimple in the center. Place one mini mozzarella pearl on the dimple and roll the meat covering the mozzarella. You want each meatball to be smooth and the cheese to be buried in the center. Place on the baking tray. Repeat for all of the meatballs. You may be able to get 34 mini stuffed meatballs.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. The chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure doneness. Remove from the oven and drizzle with buffalo sauce, yogurt ranch, blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion. Serve hot.