Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy deliciously tender chicken meatballs without the fuss! Perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe for chicken meatballs is a lifesaver for busy home cooks. Just mix the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender and juicy meatballs with a flavorful sauce
- Minimal prep time for maximum taste
- Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a game changer for busy households. It allows you to prepare meals ahead of time, letting the flavors develop while you focus on your day. With the Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs, you can simply throw your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and return home to a delicious, aromatic meal. This method not only saves time but also transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting dish that the whole family will love.
One of the best aspects of slow cooking is the ability to create tender, flavorful dishes without hovering over the stove. The low and slow method allows the chicken meatballs to absorb the marinara sauce, resulting in a dish that is rich in taste and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the moisture from the sauce keeps the meatballs from drying out, ensuring that each bite is juicy and full of flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, these chicken meatballs are an excellent choice. They are versatile and can be served on their own, over pasta, or even stuffed in a sub for a delicious meatball sandwich. Additionally, they make fantastic leftovers, making them a great option for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe to ensure you have plenty for lunches throughout the week.
If you’re planning a gathering, these slow cooker meatballs are a hit at parties! Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or over a bed of spaghetti for a satisfying main course. Their delightful flavor and tender texture will impress your guests, and you’ll appreciate how little effort it takes to prepare them.
Customizable and Kid-Friendly
One of the remarkable features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap in different herbs and spices to suit your family’s tastes. For a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing in some chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrition. This flexibility makes it simple to create variations that keep the meal exciting.
These chicken meatballs are also kid-friendly, making them a great option for feeding picky eaters. The mild flavor of chicken combined with the comforting marinara sauce is sure to please even the fussiest of palates. You can serve them with a side of veggies or a salad for a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Mix all ingredients well before forming into balls.
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
Add the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce, olive oil, and dried oregano. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Serve the meatballs over pasta or in a sub for a delicious meal!
Tips for the Best Meatballs
To ensure your chicken meatballs come out perfectly every time, be sure not to overmix the ingredients. Gently combine them until just incorporated to maintain a tender texture. Using fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs based on your preferences.
Another tip is to use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform meatballs. This helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker. If you prefer a bit of a crispy texture, you can quickly brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your slow cooker chicken meatballs, you can place them over a bed of pasta, rice, or even quinoa for a complete meal. Pair them with garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal. For a fun twist, serve them as meatball subs on toasted hoagie rolls topped with mozzarella cheese for a delicious sandwich option.
Don't forget to drizzle some extra marinara sauce on top before serving for added flavor. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can also add a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy experimenting with different serving styles to find your family’s favorite!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is easy! Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple. For the best results, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. They’ll taste just as delicious as when they were first cooked, making for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What can I serve with these meatballs?
They are great with pasta, rice, or in a sub sandwich.
→ How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs
Enjoy deliciously tender chicken meatballs without the fuss! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Holly James
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce, olive oil, and dried oregano. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g