Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Try this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/4 cup non-fat milk
- 2 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts cut off)
- 14 ounces lean ground chicken or turkey
- 1 small sweet onions diced
- 1 cup hot sauce (i used frank's red hot original)
- 1/2 cup honey (optional: coconut sugar)
- Carbohydrate 7.93429960000563 g
- Cholesterol 12.1200000140161 mg
- Fat 6.61923169967478 g
- Fiber 1.73835372900352 g
- Protein 7.72736822727952 g
- Saturated Fat 2.66108089328415 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (484g)
- Sodium 2561.1323912691 mg
- Sugar 6.19594587100211 g
- Trans Fat 0.385266698900944 g
- Calories 117 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, soak the bread in the milk.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken or turkey, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, egg, and the bread soaked in milk. Mix well until it becomes compact.
- Get about a tablespoon of the meat then roll in between your palms to make the meatballs—we made them using a 1” scoop. Place them on the baking sheet.
- Cook for 6 minutes.
- For the sauce, heat the olive oil on medium-low. Add the onions and garlic and saute until onions are translucent.
- Add the onions, garlic, and all additional ingredients to a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Add enough meatballs to cover the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour on half of the sauce.
- Add the remaining meatballs and pour the rest of the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low 2-4 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with slow cooker recipes. They’re a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I’m juggling work, carpools, and homework help. This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatball recipe is a perfect example of a meal that’s both delicious and incredibly convenient. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving me with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often adapt it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of chicken, and I’ve even experimented with different types of hot sauce for a unique kick. Feel free to get creative! You can add a touch of sweetness with honey or maple syrup, or amp up the heat with a dash of extra cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless. The key is to experiment and find what flavor profile works best for your family.
One thing I love about this dish is its make-ahead potential. You can easily prep the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This means you can have a delicious and healthy dinner ready in minutes, even on the busiest of days. It’s a perfect solution for those nights when takeout seems like the only option. Simply throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal waiting for you.
Beyond the ease and convenience, these meatballs are incredibly flavorful. The blend of spicy buffalo sauce and tender chicken creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The meatballs are juicy and satisfying, and the sauce is rich and tangy. Serve them over rice, pasta, or even as an appetizer with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Use as a topping for salads or baked potatoes.
- Enjoy as an appetizer with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
- Stuff into slider buns for a fun twist on a classic.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatball recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a time-saver, a flavor enhancer, and a testament to the power of simple, yet delicious, home cooking. So, ditch the takeout menu and try this recipe tonight. You won't be disappointed! Believe me, your family will thank you.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring ingredients you likely already have on hand. The specific quantities are listed in the original recipe, but I always recommend adjusting to your taste preferences. For instance, if you're not a fan of spicy food, you can easily reduce the amount of hot sauce. The beauty of cooking is the ability to personalize your dishes!
Tips for Success:
While the recipe is fairly straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs turn out perfectly:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a good quality hot sauce: The flavor of the hot sauce will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your slow cooker and the size of your meatballs. Check the meatballs for doneness before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides: The possibilities are endless! Consider serving with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatball recipe has quickly become a staple in our family's weekly meal rotation. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
