This easy buffalo chicken meatloaf recipe combines ground chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, celery, mozzarella, and blue cheese for a cheesy, wing-inspired twist on classic meatloaf. Bake it as a traditional loaf or as individual meatloaf cups.
Notes from my kitchen
Ground chicken meatloaf was always popular at our stores, and over the years I've made plenty of variations.
Buffalo chicken meatloaf is one of my favorites because of the pizzazz. It has those familiar wing-inspired flavors, balanced by mild, creamy mozzarella cheese.
It's just as comfortable on the dinner table as it is on a game-day spread. Don't feel locked into making it in a loaf pan! The same mixture easily becomes Buffalo chicken meatloaf cups by baking it in a muffin tin.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this buffalo chicken meatloaf recipe:
Of special note:
- Ground chicken - You can use ground chicken breast, which results in a slightly less firm loaf. Ground turkey will also work in this recipe.
- Buffalo wing sauce - Use your favorite prepared Buffalo wing sauce. The cooked meatloaf has tangy Buffalo flavor in each bite without making it overwhelmingly spicy. Keep extra on hand to brush over the top as a glaze or serve on the side if you like more heat.
- Cheeses - Blue cheese adds the distinctive flavor you expect for Buffalo chicken wings, while mild mozzarella adds creaminess without overpowering it.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats or breadcrumbs - Either works equally well as a binder in this meatloaf. Oats do a fantastic job of holding the shape and absorbing the juices and moisture as the meatloaf cooks. Once cooked, you won't notice it, and it makes the recipe gluten-free. You can pulse them briefly in a food processor for a finer texture, but I don't find it necessary. Quick-cooking oats or unseasoned panko breadcrumbs also work.
- Celery and onion: These classic Buffalo-wing companions add flavor and texture right to the meatloaf. Dice them fairly small, so they soften while the meatloaf bakes.
Have leftover blue cheese? Use it to make this 4-ingredient blue cheese cream sauce and drizzle it over the meatloaf for even more blue cheese flavor.
The recipe card below includes ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.
How to make Buffalo chicken meatloaf
Use these pictures as a guide to make the recipe:
Step 1
Combine the oats or breadcrumbs, mozzarella, blue cheese, celery, and onion.
Step 2
Stir in the Buffalo wing sauce and beaten egg.
Step 3
Add the ground chicken and gently combine the ingredients without overmixing.
Step 4
Shape the mixture into a loaf on a sheet pan or place it in a loaf pan. You can also portion it into a muffin tin for meatloaf cups instead.
Step 5
Bake until cooked through. Brush with extra Buffalo sauce before serving, if desired.
Top Tips
- Don't overmix the ground chicken. Mix just until combined so the meatloaf stays tender.
- Use a meat thermometer and cook just until the center reaches 165°F to prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the loaf hold together.
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf
For a family dinner, I serve it with creamy cauliflower mash made from frozen cauliflower. Crispy green beans and carrot fries with ranch dressing for dipping round out the meal.
If it's part of a party spread, serve it alongside Parmesan cauliflower bites and roasted Buffalo chickpeas.
Ways to shape Buffalo chicken meatloaf
You can shape and bake the same Buffalo chicken meatloaf mixture in several ways. Whichever method you choose, cook the meatloaf until the center reaches 165°F.
- Meatloaf cups: Portion ¼ cup of the mixture in a muffin pan. These individual portions are perfect for meal prep, freezing, or serving at a party. They cook in about 30 minutes.
- Mini meatloaves: Divide the mixture among 4 mini loaf tins. They will cook faster than a full-size loaf, so begin checking the internal temperature early.
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup blue cheese crumbled
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats or breadcrumbs Quick-cooking oats, unseasoned breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs may be used instead
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- ½ cup celery finely diced
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce plus more for topping
- 1 Egg slightly beaten
- 1 pound ground chicken Ground chicken breast or ground turkey will also work in this recipe.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled blue cheese, oats, diced celery, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
- Add the buffalo wing sauce and egg to the dry mixture and combine.
- Mix the ground chicken with the wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Don't overmix or the meatloaf may become dense and tough.
- Shape the buffalo chicken mixture into a meatloaf about 2 inches thick on a greased sheet pan or press it in a loaf pan.
- Brush additional buffalo wing sauce on top if desired.
- Cook the meatloaf for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer, if possible, to avoid overcooking.
- Brush with additional buffalo sauce before serving, if desired. Let the Buffalo chicken meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Notes
Want to save this recipe?
I’ll email the recipe link!
I'll also send you other recipes I know you'll love. Unsubscribe at any time.
Nutrition
Sandi says
These are such a cute idea...I am wondering if they freeze well?
Marjory says
They freeze beautifully before or after cooking!
Abigail Raines says
I love that these are made in muffin form so they're easily transportable and would be perfect for lunch boxes, too! What a yummy idea!!
Marjory says
Thanks for your comment! They travel nicely in a lunch box. We put them in a little plastic container with a lid along with a fork.
John says
Can't wait to tailgate! So much easier than hauling the grill! GO GATORS!
Marjory says
These are perfect for tailgaiting! 🙂
Dr Barb, nutrition budgeteer says
these look yummy. Great idea!