Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

With Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, you can create a mouthwatering appetizer that is perfect for any gathering. These meatballs are juicy, packed with flavor, and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that will leave your guests wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family get-together, or just craving something delicious, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply mix, bake, and let your slow cooker do the work. Perfect for busy days!
• Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of ground chicken and buffalo wing sauce brings a delightful kick to every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, on sliders, or over rice for a hearty meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Everyone loves them!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Perfect for infusing flavors while allowing for hands-off cooking.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.

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 initial step ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly in the baking phase.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

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

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Add the following ingredients into a large mixing bowl:
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 either a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything together until well-combined.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the chicken mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet as you go.

Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they begin to brown slightly on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to your slow cooker. Pour buffalo wing sauce over the top of the meatballs and add cubed butter throughout.

Step 7: Cook on Low Heat

Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure all meatballs are well-coated with sauce.

Step 8: Serve Warm

After cooking, stir again to coat with sauce before serving warm. Garnish with optional diced green onion if desired.

Enjoy these delicious Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs at your next gathering!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious but versatile too. You can serve them in various ways to elevate your dining experience and cater to different occasions.

As a Standalone Appetizer

• Serve the meatballs warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties or gatherings.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place the meatballs over a fresh salad mix. Drizzle with a light ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.

In a Sub Sandwich

• Stuff the meatballs into a toasted sub roll, topped with shredded lettuce and extra buffalo sauce for a hearty sandwich option.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer an array of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even additional buffalo sauce for guests to enjoy alongside the meatballs.

As Part of a Buffet

• Include these meatballs in a buffet spread with other appetizers, ensuring they are kept warm in the slow cooker during the event.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground chicken and vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.
• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined before forming the meatballs. This helps them hold together while cooking.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more buffalo sauce or mixing in some cayenne pepper if you prefer extra spice.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your slow cooker; cooking times can vary based on the model. Aim for tender, juicy meatballs.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with freshly chopped green onions or parsley just before serving for added freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Celery Sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, celery sticks provide a great contrast to the rich flavors of buffalo chicken.
2. Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crisp, carrot sticks add color and nutrition to your plate while balancing out spicy flavors.
3. Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges drizzled with olive oil and seasoning make for a hearty side that complements the meatballs.
4. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds coolness and crunch, making it an excellent pairing for spicy dishes.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Fluffy cornbread muffins bring sweetness that pairs perfectly with zesty buffalo chicken.
6. Vegetable Platter: An assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes makes for a colorful and healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly.

• Using the wrong meat: Choosing the right type of ground meat is crucial for flavor and texture. Always opt for lean ground chicken for the best results.
• Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together. Omitting them can lead to crumbly meatballs, so make sure to add them as directed.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are key in cooking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially with spices and sauces.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you pack too many meatballs into your slow cooker, they may not cook evenly. Ensure there’s enough space around each ball for even cooking.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. Always check on your meatballs periodically to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
• item They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• item Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a little sauce or water. Add meatballs and cover until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

You can pair these meatballs with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even serve them as sliders on rolls.

Can I make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture, form the meatballs, and refrigerate them overnight before cooking them in the slow cooker.

How spicy are these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

The spice level largely depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. You can opt for mild sauce if you prefer less heat.

Can I use other meats for these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with ground turkey or beef if you like different flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any gathering. With various customization options like adding different spices or serving styles, you’re encouraged to try this recipe at your next event!

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