Someone at my favorite local grocery store must have gotten carried away when they ordered ground chicken recently. For the past month every time I go they’re having a crazy sale on the stuff trying to get rid of it – like $.99/lb crazy. Given that I usually have trouble finding it under $3/lb, that’s a deal I can’t pass up. So I’ve been grabbing a few pounds every time I’m there and shoving them in my freezer.
It’s been awesome for my grocery budget, but not so great for variety in our meals. We only have a handful of go-to ground chicken recipes, and as much as I love these meatballs, they’ve been on our table quite a bit the past few weeks. It was time for a change.
I had the idea to make buffalo chicken meatloaf and found a recipe to serve as my starting point. I’ve made it three times now, adapting it a little more each time to get the desired result, and finally it’s ready to be shared with you guys! The meatloaf has all the classic buffalo chicken flavors you know and love – ok, except the blue cheese which we aren’t fans of, but if you are, I noted a swap below. Shane likes things extra spicy and I like them more mild, and we agreed this meatloaf fell somewhere in the middle that worked for both of us. I know it’s not for everyone, but we are definitely meatloaf lovers in this house – I’m so glad to have another version to add to our arsenal!
Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf
heavily adapted from Busy Cooks
{Note: we aren’t bleu cheese fans, but if you are you could substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch and blue cheese for the mozzarella.}
Meatloaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup bread crumbs
3 tablespoons buffalo wing hot sauce
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons ranch dressing
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 lb ground chicken
Glaze
1 tablespoon buffalo wing hot sauce
1/2 tablespoon ketchup
1/2 tablespoon honey
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the oil to a medium skillet set over medium heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the onion and celery and a pinch each of salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies have softened. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, stir together the egg, bread crumbs, hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and mozzarella cheese. Mix in the cooled veggies. Add the ground chicken and use your hands to gently mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape into a rounded loaf. Stir together the hot sauce, ketchup and honey for the glaze. Brush the mixture over the surface of the meatloaf.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165 F. Remove the pan and tent the meatloaf with a sheet of foil – let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
I have the grinder attachment for my kitchenaid and just grind my own chicken breast. It isn’t as convenient as buying ground, but it is much cheaper (usually). Also, I like knowing exactly what is in it when I grind myself. Just a thought 🙂
I think everyone loves meatloaf. If you don’t love it, you don’t love mother and/or your grandmother. Ground chicken is a marvelous product. The price you got it at is also marvelous.
I’ve had a frozen package of ground chicken since before the New Year, but haven’t been able to find anything interesting to do with it until this. What a great idea! And you combined two of my fave things Buffalo + Meatloaf. Can’t wait to defrost and and try it out this weekend 🙂
wow, never thought about making something like this. I’m definitely not a meatloaf person, but I could see myself making little meatloaf muffins and it would be a very easy, portable lunch. thanks for sharing!
This is a great meal, I hope we can keep getting that cheap ground chicken! Thanks for making it!
You know I love a good meatloaf! Definitely making this soon!
Meatloaf is a fave at our house so I’m always looking for new ways to change it up. I love these flavors. Super smart idea!
I can’t get over this. I’ve been thinking about it all day. After my buffalo chicken meatballs a couple weeks ago, they have been on my mind constantly. Now I have to make this!
This looks very interesting. I’m sure my sister would like it since she is obsessed with buffalo chicken wings.
Tracey, this is amazing!!
I can only dream that my store would have such a sale on ground chicken. My freezer would be crazy stocked!
I’ve had a buffalo chicken meatloaf recipe bookmarked forever than I’ve been meaning to try, but I keep putting it off because I wasn’t sure if I’d like the flavors. I do love meatloaf AND i love buffalo chicken, but I wasn’t sure if i’d like ’em together. I totally trust your judgement though (we have a lot of the same tastes, it seems), so I know I’ll have to give it a try now. =)
You know I can’t resist anything buffalo-related! YUM!
Totally saving this for hubs
I just made this last night and it smelled delicious! We will be gorging on it tonight for dinner. I can’t wait to try it!
Hi there. The current Food on Friday on Carole’s Chatter is all about meatloaf. I do hope you link this nice one in. This is the link . Please do pop back to check out some of the other links. Have a great week.
Well we made this today,,,,VERY FLAVORFUL! But….. wayyyy too runny(liquidy) kind of turned into “mush”! Not sure if I messed something up but I would suggest adding extra ground chicken or cutting down on the liquids. Awesome taste though!
Delicious, my son (8) and I are especially found of anything with buffalo sauce, but this own was even a favorite for my daughter (5). Thanks for sharing.