Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a deliciously spicy appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, these meatballs combine the flavors of homemade meatballs with zesty buffalo sauce. The convenience of using a slow cooker makes this recipe not only easy to prepare but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of savory and spicy that keeps guests coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it easy to whip up even on busy days.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of ground chicken and buffalo wing sauce creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs fit well into any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties and gatherings, they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
• Easy Cleanup: With just one mixing bowl and your slow cooker, cleanup is a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining all your ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking Sheet: Using a baking sheet promotes even cooking when you bake the meatballs before slow cooking.
• Slow Cooker: This tool ensures that your meatballs cook slowly and absorb all the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 step prepares your oven for baking the meatballs perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

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

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Ground chicken
2. Plain breadcrumbs
3. Diced celery
4. Diced green onions
5. Eggs
6. Minced garlic
7. Salt
8. Black pepper

Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until all ingredients are well-combined.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown on the outside.

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to your slow cooker.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Butter

Pour buffalo wing sauce over the meatballs and add cubed butter on top.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating in sauce.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Before serving, give them another stir to coat with sauce, then serve warm garnished with additional diced green onions if desired.

Enjoy these tasty Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs at your next event!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer a deliciously spicy kick, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family meal, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Slider Style

• Use mini buns to create sliders. Place a meatball between the buns and add some ranch dressing for a creamy balance.

Platter Presentation

• Serve meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Add fresh veggies around the platter for crunch.

Salad Topper

• Place meatballs on top of a fresh green salad. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for an added kick.

Pasta Dish

• Toss cooked pasta with buffalo sauce and top with warm meatballs for a hearty meal.

Nacho Topping

• Use the meatballs as a topping for nachos, layering them on tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.

Game Day Snack

• Present these meatballs at your next game day gathering alongside celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ground chicken and vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
• Cook Time Matters: Stick to the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker; overcooking can dry them out.
• Garnish Wisely: Add fresh green onions as garnish right before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.
• Serve Warm: Ensure that the meatballs are served warm for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great ideas:

1. Vegetable Crudité: Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a crunchy contrast to the spiciness of the meatballs.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries offer a sweet balance to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds creaminess and crunch, making it an ideal side.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs extra sauce while adding substance to your meal.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce from your plate.
6. Macaroni Salad: This creamy salad complements the spice of the meatballs while providing a cooling effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls.

• Using Too Much Sauce: Adding excessive buffalo sauce can overpower the meatballs. Stick to the recommended amount for balanced flavor.
• Not Browning the Meatballs: Skipping the browning step can result in a less appealing texture. Browning adds flavor and helps hold the meatballs together.
• Overcooking the Meatballs: Cooking them for too long may lead to dry meatballs. Follow the time guidelines closely to achieve juicy results.
• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality ground chicken or breadcrumbs can affect taste. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best outcome.
• Skipping Garnishes: Failing to garnish with green onions can make your dish look less inviting. A simple sprinkle adds color and enhances presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow meatballs to cool completely before sealing them for storage.

Freezing Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake meatballs in a covered dish for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

You can definitely use ground turkey as an alternative. It will still yield delicious meatballs with great flavor.

How spicy are these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. For milder versions, opt for sauces labeled as mild or mix with some BBQ sauce.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking them in the slow cooker.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even as part of a sub sandwich topped with cheese.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors that are perfect for any gathering. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily—try different spices or sauces based on your preference. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try and impress your guests!

---