Saucy Mama Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs: Your Ultimate Game Day & Weeknight Delight!
It’s with immense excitement and gratitude that I share a thrilling milestone from my culinary journey! I was truly honored to be selected as one of the 25 chosen food bloggers to compete in this year’s prestigious Saucy Mama’s 2014 Recipe Contest. This opportunity was a dream come true, allowing me to unleash my creativity in the kitchen with an amazing array of gourmet sauces.
The stakes were high, and the potential rewards incredibly tempting! The grand prize winner of the contest was set to receive a fantastic $1000.00, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to the World Food Championships in vibrant Las Vegas, Nevada, that November. Just imagining the bustling atmosphere, the intense culinary competition, and the chance to meet other passionate food enthusiasts was enough to fuel my inspiration. As a proud contestant, the first step on this exciting adventure was receiving a special blogger’s kit, brimming with Saucy Mama’s exceptional products, specifically curated for us to craft our contest entries.
You can imagine my anticipation! Check this out – the blogger kit in all its glory!
Unveiling the Saucy Mama Treasure Chest: My Culinary Inspiration Begins
Waiting for this kit to arrive felt like being a kid on Christmas Eve, eagerly anticipating what treasures lay within. The moment it landed on my doorstep, I tore open the box with an enthusiasm that probably rivaled a toddler’s. One by one, I peeled back the lids of the bottles, and instantly, my “foodie thinking cap” went into overdrive. The aroma alone was inspiring! Each sauce presented a world of possibilities, and I couldn’t wait to start brainstorming and experimenting to decide on my perfect contest recipe.
Let me tell you, every single one of these Saucy Mama sauces is absolutely AH-Mazing! The quality and depth of flavor in each bottle are truly impressive. They aren’t just condiments; they are foundational elements for creating extraordinary dishes.
Our blogger kit included a fantastic selection to spark our creativity: Four Leaf Balsamic Vinaigrette/Marinade, Honey Barbecue Wing Sauce, Honey Dijon Dressing, Orange Habanero Wing Sauce, Hot Wing Sauce, and Jamaican Jerk Wing Sauce. With such a diverse range of flavors, the culinary opportunities seemed endless. From tangy and sweet to bold and spicy, there was a sauce for every palate and every type of dish imaginable.
The challenge was to submit just one unique recipe. While that was the official requirement, I had so much fun cooking and creating a variety of dishes for my family using these incredible Saucy Mama sauces. You can be sure that I’ll be sharing more recipes featuring these versatile sauces in the very near future. However, for the contest – and for you, my dear readers – I had to pick one standout creation. And this is the one I proudly chose to present to Saucy Mama and to you!
The Birth of a Spicy Sensation: Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs
My love for hot wings runs deep; they are a cherished family favorite, synonymous with game nights, casual gatherings, and satisfying cravings. So, when I first tasted Saucy Mama’s Hot Wing Sauce, I knew instantly that it had to be the star of my contest entry. The balance of heat and flavor was impeccable – exactly what I look for in a classic buffalo sauce. Saucy Mama had asked us to create a recipe within one of several categories: burger, sandwich, bacon, seafood, pasta, or cheese. This immediately pointed me towards a sandwich creation, allowing me to reimagine a classic in a fresh, exciting way.
The brief also emphasized making a recipe that was creative, fun to serve, and, crucially, easily recreated by home cooks. This last point was key. I wanted something that felt special but wasn’t overly complicated. My mind started to deconstruct the quintessential “basket of hot wings”: tender white meat chicken, slathered in spicy buffalo sauce, served with crisp celery sticks and cool, creamy blue cheese dressing for dipping. How could I transform this beloved combination into a portable, satisfying sandwich?
And just like that, my idea was born: a Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sub! It would take all the elements I adored about hot wings and combine them into a hearty, flavor-packed sub sandwich. This concept perfectly aligned with the “sandwich” category and promised to be both creative and incredibly fun to eat, while still being simple enough for anyone to replicate at home.
Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
To ensure the highest quality for my Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs, I started with the best ingredients. I purchased some premium ground chicken breast from my local butcher, ensuring it was pure, unadulterated meat with no funky additives. For a unique binder and a subtle hint of savory crunch, I opted for crushed pretzels instead of traditional breadcrumbs. This not only held the meatballs together beautifully but also added an unexpected layer of flavor and texture that truly elevated the dish.
Once the chicken, pretzels, egg, salt, and pepper were mixed to perfection, it was time to form the meatballs. I used a small cookie dough scoop, which is an invaluable tool for ensuring uniform size and shape. Making them slightly smaller was a deliberate choice, as it meant they would fit perfectly and comfortably within a sub sandwich, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Next, I moved to the stovetop. In a hot skillet with a small amount of butter, I gently browned the meatballs on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a delicious crust and locking in the juices, ensuring the meatballs remain tender and flavorful. The aroma filling my kitchen at this point was simply divine, a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness to come.
After achieving that beautiful golden brown, the meatballs were ready for their starring role: a luscious simmer in the Saucy Mama Hot Wing Sauce. This slow simmer allowed the meatballs to absorb all the vibrant, spicy, and tangy flavors of the sauce, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. They patiently waited in the sauce, staying warm and succulent until it was time to assemble the subs.
Assembling and Enjoying Your Saucy Creation
With the meatballs perfectly cooked and infused with that incredible Saucy Mama flavor, it was time for assembly. I toasted some fresh hoagie rolls in the oven to give them a delightfully crusty exterior and a warm, soft interior – the ideal vessel for our saucy filling. Each roll was generously filled with the piping hot, buffalo chicken meatballs. To complete the classic hot wing experience, I topped them with generous crumbles of rich blue cheese and a sprinkling of finely chopped celery, adding both tang and a refreshing crunch.
The presentation was just as important as the taste. I served these magnificent subs in baskets, overflowing with crispy kettle chips – the perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce. And, as anyone who loves hot wings knows, napkins are essential! We had plenty on hand, ready for the deliciously messy experience that was about to unfold.
The combination was absolutely perfect! Each bite delivered that familiar, beloved hot wing flavor, perfectly encapsulated in a convenient and satisfying sub. The juicy meatballs, the spicy sauce, the creamy blue cheese, and the crisp celery all came together in a symphony of tastes and textures. It truly is a fun and easy recipe, making it an ideal choice for a quick and simple weeknight meal when you want something flavorful without much fuss. But it’s also robust and exciting enough to be the star at a lively tailgate party, a casual get-together with friends, or any game day celebration. Its versatility makes it a go-to for any occasion requiring crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Versatile Flavors for Every Palate: Ranch & Honey BBQ Variations
Understanding that not everyone has the same spice tolerance, or perhaps prefers a different flavor profile, I even made a couple of subs drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. These were an instant hit with the ranch lovers in my family, proving just how adaptable this recipe is. The cooling ranch provided a delightful contrast to the buffalo chicken, offering a milder yet equally delicious experience.
Although I didn’t get a chance to photograph it that day, I also prepared a version for my youngest, who isn’t a fan of intense spice. For her, I used the Saucy Mama Honey Barbecue Wing Sauce. She absolutely loved it! This sweet and tangy variation demonstrated that the core concept of the chicken meatball sub works beautifully with various Saucy Mama flavors, making it truly customizable for any family member or guest. These variations highlight the exceptional range of Saucy Mama products and how they can inspire endless culinary creativity in your own kitchen.
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Print Recipe
Saucy Mama ~ Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sub
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken breast
- 1 large egg slightly beaten for binding
- 1 cup pretzels finely crushed, for a unique binder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter for browning meatballs
- 1 – 12 ounce bottle SAUCY MAMA Hot Wing Sauce the star of the show!
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery for freshness and crunch
- Crumbled Bleu Cheese generously for topping, or ranch dressing
- 6 hoagie rolls warmed in the oven to achieve a crusty exterior and soft interior
Instructions
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken breast, crushed pretzels, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Using a small cookie scoop (or your hands), form the mixture into uniform, small meatballs. This size ensures they fit perfectly on a sub sandwich and cook evenly.
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides until they develop a nice crust and are cooked through, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
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Once browned, pour the entire bottle of SAUCY MAMA Hot Wing Sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer gently until you are ready to serve. This allows them to fully absorb the delicious sauce flavors.
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**Alternatively, for this step, you can transfer the browned meatballs and sauce into a slow cooker (crock-pot) and keep them on the ‘warm’ setting until you are ready to serve, making it perfect for parties or flexible meal times.**
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Prepare your hoagie rolls by slicing them open and warming them in the oven for a few minutes until crusty. Fill each warm roll generously with the saucy Buffalo chicken meatballs. Top with crumbled bleu cheese (or a drizzle of ranch dressing for those who prefer it) and a sprinkle of chopped celery for that authentic hot wing experience. Serve immediately with plenty of napkins!
Nutrition
Win Your Own Saucy Mama Wing Sauce Pack!
Now for the exciting part – how would YOU like to get your hands on a fantastic Saucy Mama Wing Sauce Pack and unleash your own culinary creativity in your kitchen? This is your chance to experiment with some of the best sauces on the market and bring bold, delicious flavors to your meals.
Enter our exclusive giveaway right HERE for your chance to win a collection of these incredible Saucy Mama Wing Sauces! You can easily grab 4 entry points right now to kickstart your chances, and you can earn an additional entry every single day until the contest concludes. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to elevate your cooking and discover your next family favorite. Good luck, and happy cooking!
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