Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy! Our Crock Pot Honey Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not just a meal; they're a flavor explosion that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Imagine juicy, tender meatballs infused with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce and the sweet touch of honey, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into our article to discover how to whip up this mouthwatering dish that’s as easy as it is delectable!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Gather 1 lb of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24 meatballs with this mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the honey and buffalo sauce until they are well blended. This will be the sauce that adds flavor to the meatballs during cooking.
- Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the formed meatballs into the crock pot in a single layer, if possible. You can stack them slightly, but try to keep them as evenly distributed as you can.
- Pour the honey buffalo sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Use a spoon to gently stir the meatballs in the sauce if necessary.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- After 4 hours, check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the crock pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving platter. You can drizzle additional sauce over the top if desired.
- Serve the honey buffalo chicken meatballs warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions if you like. They are perfect as a main dish or as an appetizer for gatherings.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the meatball mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just form the meatballs and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to cook.
- Uniform Size: Make sure to form the meatballs into uniform sizes (about 1 inch in diameter) for even cooking. This ensures that all meatballs are done at the same time.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize the sauce! Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Serve with Sides: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them with a side of rice, in a sub sandwich, or on a bed of greens for a complete meal.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
