Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a game-changing appetizer that brings all the flavor of buffalo wings without the mess. These juicy, tender chicken meatballs are simmered in buffalo wing sauce, allowing them to absorb all that tangy heat. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, these meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey)

• 1 large egg, slightly beaten

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika can be substituted)

• ¾ cup buffalo sauce

• Ranch dressing, for serving (optional)

• Carrot and celery sticks, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.

3. Use a small scoop to form 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the meatballs for 8 minutes, until they are lightly golden. They will not be fully cooked but will finish in the slow cooker.

5. Transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker and pour buffalo sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly.

6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.

7. Serve with ranch dressing and carrot/celery sticks, if desired.

Nutritional Value

• Calories: 51 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 3g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

  • Trans Fat: 0.2g

• Cholesterol: 24mg

• Sodium: 219mg

• Potassium: 144mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 68IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 11mg

• Iron: 0.7mg

These values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portions used.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Buffalo wings are a popular choice for casual gatherings and sports events, but they can be messy to eat and time-consuming to prepare. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs provide the same great buffalo flavor, but in a more convenient and easy-to-serve form. Using ground chicken or turkey as the base, these meatballs are packed with protein, and they’re seasoned with a variety of spices that complement the heat and tang of the buffalo sauce.

The slow cooker makes the preparation incredibly simple. You can bake the meatballs in the oven for just a few minutes, then transfer them to the slow cooker to simmer in the sauce. This hands-off method allows you to focus on other tasks while the meatballs cook and soak up the delicious buffalo sauce.

The Ingredients that Make These Meatballs Irresistible

These buffalo chicken meatballs are made with a few basic ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and moist appetizer. The ground chicken (or turkey) serves as the lean base, while the egg, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese help to bind the meatballs and add moisture, ensuring they’re tender and juicy.

The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika provide a savory depth of flavor that enhances the heat from the buffalo sauce. The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, which complements the tangy buffalo sauce beautifully. Once baked, the meatballs are transferred to a slow cooker, where they soak in the buffalo sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse every bite.

Buffalo Sauce: The Star of the Show

Buffalo sauce is what gives these meatballs their signature spicy, tangy, and flavorful kick. By simmering the meatballs in the sauce, they absorb all the bold flavors, making each bite a delicious burst of buffalo goodness. The buffalo sauce also adds moisture to the meatballs, helping them stay juicy as they cook.

For those who like a milder spice, the amount of buffalo sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can opt for a mild buffalo sauce or mix the sauce with a little bit of ranch dressing to tone down the heat. On the other hand, if you prefer more heat, you can choose a hotter buffalo sauce or even add a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

The Slow Cooker Magic

The slow cooker is the perfect cooking tool for this dish. After briefly baking the meatballs, they are placed in the slow cooker with buffalo sauce and cooked on low for 2 hours. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to soak in the buffalo sauce, making them even more flavorful and tender. The meatballs become infused with the sauce, so every bite is packed with that signature buffalo flavor. Plus, the slow cooker keeps the meatballs warm for hours, making them the perfect make-ahead appetizer for a party or gathering.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing with Fresh Veggies and Dips

While the meatballs are delicious on their own, they’re often served with dipping sauces to complement their flavor. Ranch dressing is a classic choice for pairing with buffalo-flavored foods, and it adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy heat of the buffalo sauce. You can also serve the meatballs with a side of carrot and celery sticks, which not only add crunch but also balance out the richness of the buffalo sauce.

For those who want to get creative, you can offer other dipping sauces such as blue cheese dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.

Nutritional Value of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

One of the great things about these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is that they’re a relatively healthy appetizer option. With approximately 51 calories per meatball, they offer a good source of protein (5 grams per serving), which is ideal for those looking for a filling yet light dish. The fat content (3 grams per meatball) comes primarily from the lean ground chicken and the buffalo sauce, keeping the dish lower in fat compared to traditional buffalo wings.

The meatballs are also moderate in carbohydrates (2 grams) and include 1 gram of fiber. They’re a great choice for those who are watching their carb intake or following a low-carb or keto diet. Additionally, the meal provides important nutrients like vitamin A (68 IU) and calcium (11 mg), making it a well-rounded appetizer.

Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

While this recipe is great as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the meatballs to suit your preferences. For a little extra flavor, you can mix in finely chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the meatball mixture before baking. If you prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture, or use a hotter buffalo sauce.

To make these meatballs even more decadent, you can add a little cream cheese or ranch seasoning into the meatball mixture, which will make them extra creamy. For a cheesy version, you can stuff the meatballs with a small cube of cheese before baking them. This creates a gooey center that adds a delicious surprise to each bite.

A Perfect Party Appetizer

These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal parties. They are easy to make in bulk, and the slow cooker keeps them warm and ready to serve for hours, making them an ideal dish for potlucks, game days, or holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re bite-sized, making them easy to eat with your hands and a great option for guests who want to snack without the hassle of utensils.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a must-try appetizer for any buffalo flavor fan. They are juicy, tender, and packed with bold buffalo sauce that’s perfectly balanced by the savory meatballs. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them on game day, or looking for a simple yet delicious snack, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The hands-off slow cooker method ensures you can prepare them with minimal effort, while the tasty dipping sauces and crunchy veggie sides provide the perfect balance to the heat. Try them out for your next event, and watch them disappear in no time!