Some recipes earn a permanent place on the holiday table because they are easy, dependable, and disappear almost as fast as they hit the pan. This one is exactly that kind of crowd-pleaser: a simple oven-baked appetizer made from just a handful of everyday ingredients, with plenty of bold flavor and hardly any prep. It is especially handy when you need something warm and savory for gatherings, game days, or busy family weekends.
Serve these with celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and plenty of napkins. They also fit right in on an appetizer spread with cheese cubes, olives, deviled eggs, or a fresh green salad if you want to round things out while keeping the meal low carb.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking tray or sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken, shredded mozzarella, and buffalo wing sauce until just combined.
3. Scoop and roll the mixture into small bite-size meatballs, then place them evenly spaced on the foil-lined tray.
4. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned around the edges.
5. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Add toothpicks if you are serving them as an appetizer, and spoon over a little extra buffalo sauce if you like.
Variations & Tips
Milder version: If you are serving kids or anyone sensitive to heat, use a mild buffalo sauce. You will still get that tangy flavor without as much spice.
Cheese swap: Part-skim mozzarella works nicely, but you can also try Monterey Jack for a similarly melty texture and a slightly different flavor.
Easy shaping tip: If the mixture feels sticky, lightly wet your hands before rolling the meatballs. That little trick makes shaping much easier.
Make-ahead tip: You can mix and shape the meatballs a few hours ahead, cover the tray, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
Party platter idea: Keep them warm on a serving tray with toothpicks and a dip on the side. For a holiday table, I like to set them out with celery and dressing so guests can build little bites for themselves.