Buffalo Chicken and Quinoa Meatballs

When it comes to meatballs, buffalo chicken meatballs are high on the list of favorite party foods. The bite-sized meatballs drenched in buffalo sauce are hard to beat. But what if we could make them healthier? These Chicken and Quinoa Buffalo Meatballs do just that!

With football season gearing up this weekend, it’s time to start to talk about football food, which I’d venture to say we get all get behind whether or not we are true fans of the game.

As a Notre Dame grad and native New Englander, football runs in my veins, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I get just as excited about all the delicious food. So whether you whip up these tasty slow cooker meatballs for the big game or for a delicious family dinner, they are sure to please.

Serve them drizzled with some light ranch or blue cheese dressing and I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you they make a killer taco.

What You'll Need

• Ground chicken: Since this recipe was recreating the flavors in buffalo wings, I used ground chicken. These would also work with ground turkey or ground pork. 
• Cooked quinoa: Quinoa acts as a binder in this recipe, much like breadcrumbs would. They also add a slightly nutty flavor and boost the nutritional content with extra protein and fiber. 
• Carrots and celery: Another nod to buffalo wings, the carrots and celery add flavor to these meatballs and are a great way to add some veggies as well. Grated or minced onion could also be used.
• Egg: The egg helps the meatball to stay together. These meatballs won't' hold together without the egg as a binder.
• Spices: Although this meatball gets most of its flavor from the sauce, it should also taste good on its own. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ensure each bite has a good flavor.
• Buffalo sauce: Use your favorite buffalo sauce to coat the meatballs. Frank's buffalo wing sauce is delicious in both mild and medium heat levels. Primal Palate also makes a great buffalo sauce. 

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken and Quinoa Meatballs

Whether serving these as a tasty party appetizer or for dinner, there are so many ways to serve these chicken meatballs.

• Lettuce Wraps: For a light meal, serve these wrapped in lettuce with shredded carrots and ranch dressing.
• Grain bowls: Make an extra batch of quinoa and use it as the base of a grain bowl with meatballs, cooked veggies, and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce. This works great for meal prep.
• Sandwiches: Make a buffalo version of a classic meatball sub.
• Fancy appetizer: Serve these meatballs on a toothpick with a cube of blue cheese and butter lettuce. 
• Salads: These taste great on salads, especially when paired with lots of crunchy vegetables. 

Switch Up the Sauce

While these quinoa meatballs taste great in buffalo sauce, you can also toss them with different sauces to switch up the flavor. Or simply serve your favorite sauce on the side. Here are some to try!

• Barbecue sauce
• Pesto
• Honey mustard
• Teriyaki sauce
• Marinara sauce

How to Cook Quinoa

If you are cooking quinoa from scratch, simply add the quinoa to a pot with water or broth. Use 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil and then turn down to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat. Do not open the cover. Let sit fro 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork.