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Best Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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Tender, spicy slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs that are perfect for game days, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a foolproof method, these meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
  • ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon ranch dressing mix (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20-24). Roll gently between palms to smooth. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Optional but recommended: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Brown meatballs on two or three sides, about 2 minutes per side. Do not cook through.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in hot sauce, honey, and ranch dressing mix (if using) until smooth. Taste and adjust heat if desired.
  5. Place meatballs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour buffalo sauce over them and gently turn to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Gently stir to re-coat in sauce. Transfer to a serving platter or keep warm in the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.

Notes

Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor but can be skipped. Use a thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F. Let meatballs rest in sauce for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor. Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, buffalo chicken meatballs, appetizer, game day, party food, easy, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/best-easy-slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-meatballs-recipe/