Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs
Try this Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 large egg
- salt to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion split in half
- 1-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic 4 to 5 garlic cloves
- 1 large stem fresh basil sprig
- 1 pound ground chicken see jo’s notes
- 1/3 cup (25 grams) panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup (30 grams) finely grated parmigiano-reggiano chees
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- slow cooker we used a 6-quart slow cooker
- Carbohydrate 3.51062236116175 g
- Cholesterol 152.397359551691 mg
- Fat 13.8011217440592 g
- Fiber 0.753343739402731 g
- Protein 22.5258017071653 g
- Saturated Fat 3.76104635887321 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (163g)
- Sodium 1277.35500549907 mg
- Sugar 2.75727862175902 g
- Trans Fat 1.16585015407454 g
- Calories 226 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce: Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, halved onion, garlic, olive oil, bay leaf, red pepper flakes and the basil sprig to a slow cooker. Stir then add salt to taste — we use between 1 teaspoon and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, depending on the tomatoes. It will be cold, but you will get a good idea of whether or not the sauce is well seasoned. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. Remove the onion, bay leaf and basil sprig. Taste then add additional salt as needed.
- Prepare the Chicken Meatballs: The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time, see Jos notes below. Combine panko breadcrumbs and the milk in a large bowl. Wait 3 to 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed most of the milk then whisk in the egg. Whisk in the parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and the pepper. Add the chicken and use a fork or your hands to then blend the chicken and the egg mixture together. The meatball mixture will be quite moist. Shape into one-inch meatballs, pressing no more than necessary. This recipe makes approximately 18 meatballs.
- Cook the Chicken Meatballs: Once the tomato sauce has finished cooking and the onion has been removed, add the chicken meatballs. To add them, use a spoon or two forks to gently lower them into the sauce. Cover the tops of the meatballs by gently pushing sauce over each meatball. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour or until the meatballs are cooked through.
My Simple Weeknight Dinner Hero: Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pickups, work deadlines, and soccer practice, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's where my trusty slow cooker comes in, transforming even the most demanding weeknights into occasions for flavorful, stress-free meals. This Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatball recipe is a shining example. It's so easy, even on my most chaotic days, and the result is a comforting and satisfying dinner that my family absolutely devours.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. While the sauce simmers away, I can focus on other tasks, like helping with homework or catching up on emails. There's no need for constant stirring or monitoring – just set it and forget it! The chicken meatballs are incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. They absorb the rich, savory tomato basil sauce, resulting in a truly delightful dish. I often double this recipe, making extra for easy lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors only seem to get better with time.
Beyond the Recipe: A Weeknight Ritual
This isn't just a recipe; it's a ritual. It's the comforting aroma that fills my kitchen in the afternoon, a promise of a warm, delicious meal waiting at the end of a long day. It’s the opportunity to connect with my family around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoy a home-cooked meal together. It’s a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of everyday life, there's always time for something delicious and comforting.
I've adapted this recipe over the years, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create a flavor profile that perfectly suits my family's tastes. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, while other times I opt for a milder version. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to your liking, making it your own personal culinary masterpiece.
More Than Just Meatballs: A Celebration of Simplicity
This recipe transcends the simple act of cooking; it represents the importance of family, the ease of a well-planned meal, and the comfort of a home-cooked dinner. In our fast-paced lives, where convenience often takes precedence over quality, this recipe is a testament to the enduring power of simple, wholesome food. It’s a celebration of the everyday moments, the quiet rituals, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the little things in life, starting with a perfectly cooked, slow-cooked, tomato basil chicken meatball.
So, if you're looking for a simple, delicious, and stress-free weeknight dinner, look no further. Give this Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatball recipe a try. You might just find your new family favorite!
