Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Our church life group hosted an SEC football trunk for "Trunk or Treat" this year. We had a tailgate theme complete with all the food--- wings, subs, and sides! 

I wanted to make something healthy, especially since I'm still undoing vacation damage. :) 

So I found a paleo spinach artichoke dip AND these buffalo chicken meatballs. Both recipes were a major hit!! I'll share the dip next. I will absolutely make these meatballs again for another football event... and double the batch! Next time, I may even remember to take a picture of them! 

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs 

Original Recipe from: Holistically Engineered 


Meatballs: (Makes 15-20 meatballs)
1 lb. ground chicken 
1 egg 
1 tsp. salt 
1 tsp. pepper 
1 tsp garlic powder
*I sprinkled some coconut flour into my meatballs, because the dough was super sticky! You could also use almond flour (or bread crumbs if not paleo.) 

Sauce: 
3/4 cup chicken broth 
3/4 cup hot sauce (I used Franks)
2 1/2 T. dry ranch seasoning (below) 

Dry Ranch Seasoning: (Makes about 3 Tbsps) 
1 T. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried dill 
1 tsp. dried basil 
1 tsp. onion powder 
1/2 tsp salt 
1/2 tsp pepper 
1/2 tsp paprika 
1/2 tsp. ground mustard 

1. In a medium sauce pot, combine the chicken bone broth, hot sauce, and ranch seasoning (place on the stove for later use)
2. Mix together the ground chicken and spices until combined
3. Form into meatballs
4. Heat 1-2 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat
5. When it gets very hot, sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, turning the meatballs for an even sear.
6. While the meatballs are searing, bring the hot sauce mixture to a boil and allow to cook until it has reduced by half and thickened (about 6-8 minutes)
7. Add the sauce to the meatballs after they have been seared and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
8. OR If you need to go a crock pot route for a party or warm transfer to another party, which is what I did, transfer the seared (not not cooked through) meatballs to the crock pot. Pour the reduced sauce on top and cook on low for 1-2 hours.