Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

With Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, you’ll discover a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. These meatballs are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to impress your guests. Made with tender ground chicken and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, they offer a unique twist on traditional meatballs. Whether it’s game day, a family get-together, or just a cozy night in, these tasty bites will become a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply mix the ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even served over rice or pasta for a main dish.
• Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken and fresh vegetables, these meatballs are a lighter choice.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for parties or casual gatherings; everyone will love them!

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious meatballs, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep easy and convenient.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for properly blending your ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to bake the meatballs evenly before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

With homemade meatballs and a spicy sauce, these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a fun and tasty appetizer for any gathering.

For the Meatballs

• 2 pounds ground chicken (thawed)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• ½ cup green onions (diced + more for garnish)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tablespoon garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 cups buffalo wing sauce (any brand, I used Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce in buffalo)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cubed)

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Ground chicken
2. Plain breadcrumbs
3. Diced celery
4. Diced green onions
5. Eggs
6. Minced garlic
7. Salt
8. Ground black pepper
Using your wooden spoon or hands, mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a cookie scoop:
1. Form the chicken mixture into 1-inch balls.
2. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they start to brown slightly.

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Once baked, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker:
1. Pour buffalo wing sauce over them.
2. Add cubed butter on top.

Step 7: Cook in Slow Cooker

Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours:
1. Stir halfway through cooking time to ensure even coating with sauce.

Step 8: Serve

After cooking, stir again to coat with sauce and serve warm. Garnish with optional diced green onion before enjoying!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. They are deliciously spicy and can be served in various ways to impress your guests.

On a Platter

• Arrange the meatballs on a large serving platter. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce over them and garnish with diced green onions for a colorful presentation.

In Soft Sandwiches

• Serve the meatballs in soft sandwich rolls. Add some shredded lettuce and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.

With Toothpicks

• For easy snacking, serve the meatballs with toothpicks. This makes them perfect for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the spicy sauce, making every bite flavorful.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Include these meatballs in a charcuterie board. Pair them with cheeses, crackers, and fresh vegetables to create an inviting spread.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

To ensure your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ground chicken and produce will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Be careful with seasoning: Adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste preference, but remember that buffalo sauce is already salty.
• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure there’s enough space between meatballs for even cooking and sauce distribution.
• Experiment with sauces: While buffalo sauce is classic, feel free to mix in other flavors like garlic or barbecue sauce for variety.
• Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Avoid rushing the process.
• Keep an eye on cooking time: Check for doneness around the 2-hour mark to ensure they don’t overcook.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their bold flavors.

1. Celery Sticks: Crisp celery sticks add a refreshing crunch that balances the heat of the meatballs.
2. Carrot Sticks: Sweet carrot sticks provide a nice contrast and are great for dipping in ranch dressing.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings creaminess and crunch, perfect alongside spicy flavors.
4. Cornbread: Fluffy cornbread acts as a wonderful base to soak up any leftover buffalo sauce.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be seasoned to match the spice profile of the meatballs.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish while adding freshness.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the spiciness well.
8. Vegetable Platter: A selection of raw veggies serves as a colorful, healthy side option that pairs nicely with dips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using wet ingredients incorrectly: If you add too much sauce before cooking, the meatballs can become soggy. Measure your sauce carefully.
• Overmixing the meatball mixture: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
• Skipping the pre-cook step: Baking the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker helps create a better texture. Don’t skip this important step.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned meatballs can be bland. Make sure to taste your mixture and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.
• Not stirring during cooking: To ensure even coating and flavor, stir the meatballs halfway through cooking. This prevents any from being left dry.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Item: Store in an airtight container.
• Item: Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Item: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Item: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with date for reference.

Reheating Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe container for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs so special?

These meatballs combine juicy chicken with a spicy buffalo sauce, making them perfect for appetizers or snacks at gatherings. The slow cooker ensures they stay tender and flavorful.

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! While chicken is used here, you can also try ground turkey or lamb for different flavor profiles.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Feel free to add different herbs or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also mix in shredded cheese for added creaminess!

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. They can easily be customized with different seasonings or sides. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe at your next gathering!

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