Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs

Nothing beats the thrill of biting into a warm, hearty sub, especially when it’s a Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs! I remember the first time I made these; it was a chilly evening and I craved something spicy and comforting. I had some ground chicken and a bottle of hot sauce in my pantry, and I thought, why not? The aroma that filled my kitchen as the meatballs baked was simply irresistible. With each bite, the flavors of the tender meatballs blended perfectly with the tangy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing, creating a symphony of taste that left everyone at the table craving more.

What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs

To create the magic of Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs, the right ingredients are key. Each component complements the others, resulting in a delicious combination that’s hard to resist. The *ground chicken* serves as the perfect base, while the *buffalo sauce* adds that signature kick. The *blue cheese dressing* is a creamy contrast that rounds out the dish beautifully.

• 2 ¼ cups Frank’s RedHot Wings Buffalo Sauce – This tangy sauce is the star of the show, delivering a spicy kick that makes these meatball subs unforgettable.
• 8 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps create a smooth texture.
• 2 pounds ground chicken, I prefer thigh meat – Juicy and flavorful, ground chicken is a healthier alternative to beef.
• 4 green onions, white and green parts minced – Freshness and a mild onion flavor elevate the meatball mixture.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed – Garlic brings an aromatic depth that balances the flavors.
• 2 ribs celery, finely minced – Adds crunch and subtle flavor to the meatballs.
• 2 eggs – Essential for binding the meatball mixture together.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a hint of heat that complements the buffalo sauce.
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs – Helps absorb moisture and gives the meatballs their structure.
• Canola oil for brushing the tops of the meatballs – Ensures a crispy top layer.
• 6 bolillo rolls or hoagie rolls – The perfect vessel for holding all the delicious ingredients together.
• 1 cup blue cheese dressing – Creamy and tangy, it balances the spice of the buffalo sauce.
• 1 ounce crumbled blue cheese – For garnish, adding extra flavor and a gourmet touch.

Directions for Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs

Making Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs is a rewarding experience that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these steps to create a dish that everyone will love. Just make sure to keep an eye on the meatballs to ensure they turn out perfectly!

1. Start by reserving ¼ cup of the buffalo sauce for the meatball mixture. In a large skillet, add the remaining sauce and butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts, creating a smooth sauce. This will serve as the base for your meatballs.
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F. It’s essential to get the right temperature to achieve a crispy outer layer on the meatballs. While the oven heats, prepare your meatball mixture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, reserved buffalo sauce, minced green onion, garlic, finely minced celery, eggs, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.
4. Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and form equal-sized balls. Place them onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. This step ensures uniform cooking.
5. Next, fill a small bowl with water. Dip your hands in the water to prevent sticking, then roll each meatball in your palms until they are smooth and well-formed. Return them to the sheet pan.
6. Brush the tops of each meatball lightly with canola oil for a crispy finish. Once the oven is preheated, place the sheet pan in the oven.
7. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. After that, increase the oven temperature to 500°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color on top.
8. While the meatballs finish baking, warm the reserved buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, gently toss them in the warm sauce to coat evenly.
9. Prepare your rolls by splitting them open. You can toast them in the oven if you prefer a crispy texture.
10. Dress the split sides of the rolls with blue cheese dressing. Fill each roll with 3 meatballs and top with extra crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best experience!

Helpful Notes about Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs

Here are some tips to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs turn out perfect every time. Whether you’re storing leftovers or looking for creative serving ideas, these notes will enhance your experience.

• Storage: After enjoying your subs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs. Just shape them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Consider serving your subs with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Cheese options: Melt a slice of white cheese like provolone or havarti on the rolls if desired, for added creaminess.
• Leftover dressing: Use any leftover blue cheese dressing for salads or as a dip with veggies.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs

When it comes to serving Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs, you’ll want to consider some delicious sides and drinks that will complement the bold flavors of the dish. Here’s a list of great pairings:

• French fries: Classic and satisfying, crispy fries are a perfect match for the spicy meatballs.
• Celery sticks: Their crunch and coolness provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Carrot sticks: Similar to celery, they add a sweet crunch that’s great for balancing flavors.
• Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can help cut through the richness of the meatballs and dressing.
• Garden salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing accompaniment.
• Beer or soda: For beverages, consider pairing with a light beer or soda to wash down the spice.
• Wraps: If you want a lighter option, consider using the meatball mixture in a wrap with fresh greens.
• Game day snacks: Serve these alongside other finger foods like buffalo wings or vegetable platters for a complete spread.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs are not just another dish; they’re a flavorful experience that brings people together. With the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and creamy elements, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and indulge in the deliciousness tonight!

Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs

The ultimate comfort food, these Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs are spicy, creamy, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, they bring bold flavors and a hearty experience to your table. Treat yourself to a delicious meal tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 ¼ cups Frank's RedHot Wings Buffalo Sauce
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds ground chicken, I prefer thigh meat
• 4 green onions, white and green parts minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 ribs celery, finely minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• canola oil for brushing the tops of the meatballs
• 6 bolillo rolls or hoagie rolls
• 1 cup blue cheese dressing
• 1 ounce crumbled blue cheese

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Oven
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Start by reserving ¼ cup of the buffalo sauce for the meatball mixture. In a large skillet, add the remaining sauce and butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts, creating a smooth sauce. This will serve as the base for your meatballs.
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F. It’s essential to get the right temperature to achieve a crispy outer layer on the meatballs. While the oven heats, prepare your meatball mixture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, reserved buffalo sauce, minced green onion, garlic, finely minced celery, eggs, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.
4. Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and form equal-sized balls. Place them onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. This step ensures uniform cooking.
5. Next, fill a small bowl with water. Dip your hands in the water to prevent sticking, then roll each meatball in your palms until they are smooth and well-formed. Return them to the sheet pan.
6. Brush the tops of each meatball lightly with canola oil for a crispy finish. Once the oven is preheated, place the sheet pan in the oven.
7. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. After that, increase the oven temperature to 500°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color on top.
8. While the meatballs finish baking, warm the reserved buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, gently toss them in the warm sauce to coat evenly.
9. Prepare your rolls by splitting them open. You can toast them in the oven if you prefer a crispy texture.
10. Dress the split sides of the rolls with blue cheese dressing. Fill each roll with 3 meatballs and top with extra crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best experience!

Notes

• Storage: After enjoying your subs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs. Just shape them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Consider serving your subs with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Cheese options: Melt a slice of white cheese like provolone or havarti on the rolls if desired, for added creaminess.
• Leftover dressing: Use any leftover blue cheese dressing for salads or as a dip with veggies.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.