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Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Best Game Day Appetizer

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These Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect game day appetizer—tender, flavorful, and simmered in a thick buffalo-ranch sauce. With minimal hands-on time, they stay warm in the slow cooker for hours, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken (93/7 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
  • Fresh celery sticks
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Prep your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and milk. Use your hands to mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 20-24 meatballs). Place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  4. Brown the meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Working in batches, cook meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in a bowl for 30 seconds and stir.
  6. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot. Gently toss to coat each meatball.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
  8. Switch to warm mode. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve straight from the crockpot with toothpicks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and celery sticks.

Notes

For best flavor, do not skip browning the meatballs. If sauce reduces too much, stir in a tablespoon of chicken broth or water. Meatballs can be kept on warm for up to 2 hours. For a milder version, mix buffalo sauce with extra melted butter. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken meatballs, crockpot meatballs, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, slow cooker meatballs

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/easy-crockpot-buffalo-chicken-meatballs-best-game-day-appetizer/