Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf is a bold, flavorful twist on a comfort food classic. Instead of traditional beef and tomato glaze, this recipe uses ground chicken, hot sauce, and a creamy blue cheese (or ranch) topping to capture the flavors of classic Buffalo wings in a hearty, sliceable form. It’s juicy, spicy, cheesy, and satisfying—a perfect dish for anyone who loves Buffalo-style flavors but wants something more filling than wings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes two favorites—meatloaf and Buffalo chicken—and merges them into one irresistible dish. The heat from the Buffalo sauce infuses the meatloaf with flavor, while the blue cheese or ranch topping balances the spice with creaminess. It’s a dish that’s fun, a little different, and always gets people excited at the dinner table. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Unique & Flavor-Packed: A spicy twist on the traditional meatloaf.
• Buffalo Wing Lovers’ Dream: All the flavors of game-day wings in a family dinner form.
• Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level with more or less hot sauce.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-night meals.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground chicken (or ground turkey as substitute)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup Buffalo wing sauce
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or ranch dressing if preferred)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix ground chicken with eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, seasoning, cheese, and Buffalo sauce.
2. Shape into a loaf and place in loaf pan.
3. Brush with Buffalo sauce topping.
4. Bake until cooked through.
5. Finish with blue cheese (or ranch) and green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. Prepare meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Buffalo sauce, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape loaf: Transfer mixture into prepared loaf pan or free-form on a baking sheet.
4. Glaze before baking: Brush top with 2–3 tbsp of Buffalo sauce.
5. Bake: Place in oven and bake 45–50 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Final topping: Remove loaf, brush with extra Buffalo sauce, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles (or drizzle with ranch).
7. Rest & slice: Let loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions.

How to Serve

• Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a Buffalo wing–style presentation.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or roasted veggies.
• Use leftovers for Buffalo chicken meatloaf sandwiches with ranch dressing.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground chicken but avoid extra lean—it can dry out.
• Add finely chopped celery into the mixture for crunch and authenticity.
• For a creamier bite, mix some ranch or blue cheese dressing directly into the glaze.
• Always let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Variations

• Buffalo Turkey Meatloaf: Swap chicken for turkey.
• Cheesy Stuffed Version: Layer mozzarella or cream cheese in the center for a gooey surprise.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the mixture.
• Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer (uncooked): Assemble loaf, wrap in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Freezer (cooked): Freeze cooled slices for 2 months. Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C).

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan (9×5 inch) or baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush (for Buffalo sauce glaze)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this less spicy?
Yes—use mild Buffalo sauce or reduce the amount used.

Q2: Can I skip the blue cheese?
Of course! Ranch dressing or extra shredded cheese are excellent substitutes.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Q4: What sides go best with Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf?
Classic Buffalo wing sides like celery, carrots, mac and cheese, or fries pair perfectly.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf is a fiery, cheesy, comforting dish that delivers the bold flavors of Buffalo wings in a wholesome, family-friendly form. It’s juicy, spicy, and customizable—perfect for game nights, family dinners, or when you want comfort food with a kick. If you love Buffalo chicken, this meatloaf is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.