These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken and zesty buffalo sauce, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. The combination of spicy heat and savory flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser every time, and they’re so easy to make in the slow cooker.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, need a quick meal for a busy weeknight, or craving a flavorful snack, these buffalo chicken meatballs will be your go-to dish. You can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, for an extra burst of flavor. Serve them up with a side of veggies or on their own, and they’re sure to be a hit at any table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Directions:
- Preheat the slow cooker on low.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them into the slow cooker, lightly greasing the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are all covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Optional: Garnish with extra green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4-5 hours
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
If you love the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, then you’re going to adore these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. This recipe combines the rich, bold flavors of buffalo sauce with tender, juicy chicken meatballs, making it the perfect dish for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or simply craving a flavorful snack, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
A Perfect Blend of Convenience and Flavor
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of the slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, ensuring that each meatball is infused with the perfect amount of tangy buffalo sauce.
For those who have busy lifestyles or want a dish they can make ahead of time, this slow cooker recipe is a lifesaver. Simply mix the ingredients, roll the meatballs, and let your slow cooker do the work. It’s the ultimate set-and-forget meal, giving you more time to relax or focus on other tasks.
Why Chicken Meatballs?
Chicken meatballs offer several benefits over traditional beef or pork meatballs. First and foremost, they’re lighter and lower in fat, making them a healthier option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing flavor. Chicken is a lean protein that can help maintain muscle mass and provide long-lasting energy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, taking on the flavors of whatever you cook it with—in this case, the bold heat of buffalo sauce.
Chicken is also an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins like niacin and B6, which support energy production, brain function, and immune health. When paired with the spices and other ingredients in this recipe, the result is a deliciously nutritious dish that is both satisfying and health-conscious.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking offers many benefits beyond just convenience. Because the meatballs cook slowly at a low temperature, they retain moisture and become incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Slow cooking also allows the buffalo sauce to infuse into the chicken meatballs, ensuring each bite has a delightful zing of spice.
In addition, slow cooking is a much healthier way to prepare meat. The low and slow method helps preserve the natural nutrients in the ingredients and requires less added fat, making this dish lighter and lower in calories compared to other methods like frying.
Another great benefit of slow cooking is that the flavors have time to meld together and intensify, making for a more robust and balanced taste. This is particularly important in dishes like buffalo chicken meatballs, where the balance between the heat of the buffalo sauce and the savory chicken is key to creating a perfect dish.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this buffalo chicken meatballs recipe is that it’s highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the level of spice to suit your taste. If you like your buffalo sauce extra fiery, you can add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder heat, you can dial back on the hot sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce.
For those who prefer a more indulgent flavor, you can also serve these meatballs with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dipping sauce. This will add a creamy contrast to the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce, creating a more well-rounded flavor experience. You can also garnish the meatballs with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for added flavor and presentation.
Healthier than Fried Alternatives
Compared to traditional fried buffalo chicken wings, these slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs are a healthier alternative. By using ground chicken and cooking them in the slow cooker, you avoid the added fat and calories from frying. This recipe provides all the delicious flavors of buffalo wings without the guilt, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite flavors in a lighter, healthier way.
The lean chicken meatballs are also packed with protein, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. Protein is an essential nutrient that supports muscle repair and growth, and it can also help curb cravings by stabilizing blood sugar levels. This makes these buffalo chicken meatballs an excellent choice for anyone who wants a flavorful meal that won’t leave them feeling hungry later.
Versatility and Serving Options
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as the main dish. You can serve them with a side of veggies, over a bed of rice, or on a sandwich bun to make buffalo chicken meatball sliders. They also make great additions to a salad for an extra punch of flavor.
For a more complete meal, pair the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some crispy baked sweet potato fries. These meatballs can also be made into a hearty buffalo chicken meatball sub with melted cheese for a satisfying sandwich.
Great for Meal Prep and Parties
These buffalo chicken meatballs are perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch at the start of the week and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They also freeze well, so you can store leftovers in the freezer and reheat them for a quick meal when you’re short on time. Simply thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a convenient and tasty meal.
Additionally, these meatballs are a fantastic party food. Whether you’re throwing a Super Bowl bash, a tailgate party, or a casual get-together with friends, they are sure to be a crowd favorite. Serve them with some toothpicks for easy, mess-free snacking or place them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces.
Conclusion
In summary, these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer everything you want in a meal: simplicity, flavor, and versatility. They’re perfect for anyone craving the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce but looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings. With the convenience of the slow cooker, you can have a delicious and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort while still packing a punch of flavor. So whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a quick weeknight dinner, this buffalo chicken meatball recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.