The Best Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Meatballs: Easy, Flavorful, & Perfect for Any Occasion
Prepare to be amazed! These incredibly addicting slow cooker honey chipotle meatballs, crafted with tender ground chicken, are astonishingly simple to prepare. With just ten straightforward ingredients, you can bring these together in a flash. For an even quicker shortcut, feel free to substitute homemade meatballs with your favorite pre-made frozen variety.
Right before the big game, or any gathering where delicious, hassle-free food is a must, I’m thrilled to share another fantastic chicken meatball recipe with you. But let me tell you, these aren’t just *another* recipe; they are, without a doubt, the absolute best chicken meatballs to ever emerge from my crockpot. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve shared a slow cooker chicken meatball recipe quite like this on the blog before.
These tiny, perfectly rolled chicken meatballs are generously coated in the most irresistibly flavorful cherry honey chipotle barbecue sauce. If the idea of cherry and barbecue together sounds unconventional, I urge you to suspend judgment until you try these. The combination is pure magic! The sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy notes create a taste sensation that is truly addicting. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. “Holy moly!” indeed, they are that good!
Why These Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Meatballs Will Be Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons why these incredible barbecue chicken meatballs deserve a prime spot on your Super Bowl table, your party spread, or even your weeknight dinner rotation. But if you need a little more convincing, here are a few key benefits that make this recipe a true game-changer:
- No Sautéing Required: Say goodbye to splattering oil and the extra steps of browning meatballs on the stovetop. These go straight into the oven for a quick bake before hitting the slow cooker, significantly reducing active cooking time and cleanup.
- Minimal Chopping Involved: We’ve stripped down the prep work to the bare essentials. You won’t find yourself mincing garlic or chopping onions. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or when you’re hosting.
- A Lighter, Delicious Alternative: Unlike traditional beef or pork meatballs, these are made with ground chicken, offering a leaner and often more universally appealing option. They’re a refreshing change from your run-of-the-mill party appetizers.
- Effortless Slow Cooker Perfection: These meatballs simmer slowly in their rich, flavorful sauce in the crockpot, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. Not only does this ensure tender, juicy results, but it also means you can serve them directly from the slow cooker, keeping them warm and reducing the number of dirty dishes. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it party food!
This recipe builds upon my standard chicken meatball base, but I’ve simplified it considerably. If you’ve enjoyed my firecracker chicken meatballs or the Hawaiian variety, you’ll recognize the core ingredients. However, the true beauty of today’s recipe lies in its streamlined approach – absolutely no chopping required. I understood that football Sunday (or any event, for that matter) already comes with enough hustle and bustle. The thought of cleaning one less cutting board or chopping less garlic felt like a small victory that would make everyone a little bit happier, and certainly less stressed in the kitchen.
The ingredient list for these honey chipotle meatballs is incredibly straightforward and refreshingly simple. We’re talking about just ten ingredients, most of which are likely already staples in your pantry. That’s music to any cook’s ears – minimal grocery shopping, maximum flavor, and effortless preparation!
What You’ll Need to Craft These Delicious Chicken Meatballs
Creating the perfect chicken meatballs is easier than you think. Here are the simple components for the meatballs themselves:
- Ground Chicken (or Turkey): The star of the show. Lean ground chicken keeps these meatballs light, tender, and juicy. Ground turkey is an excellent substitute if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape and contributing to a tender texture.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together, ensuring the meatballs don’t crumble.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and a delightful umami flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper infuses the meatballs with a foundational savory taste, eliminating the need for fresh chopping.
Can I Use Panko If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely, yes! Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent substitute for regular breadcrumbs in this recipe. In fact, panko often creates an even lighter, more delicate texture in meatballs, so feel free to use it with confidence. The outcome will be just as delicious, if not more so!
How Long Does It Take to Cook Honey Chipotle Meatballs in the Slow Cooker?
The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model and its heat distribution. However, typically, these honey chipotle meatballs will take anywhere from 2 to 2 ½ hours when cooked on the LOW setting. It’s important to keep in mind that the meatballs are already halfway cooked after their initial brief stint in the oven. The remaining time in the slow cooker is primarily dedicated to allowing them to thoroughly soak up all those incredibly yummy, sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors from the sauce, while also finishing the cooking process to ensure they are perfectly tender and cooked through.
Do I Need to Constantly Monitor These Meatballs?
One of the many joys of this recipe is its hassle-free nature! You don’t need to hover over your slow cooker. However, I do highly recommend giving the meatballs a gentle stir after the first hour of cooking. This simple step helps ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed and that all the meatballs are cooking uniformly. Some slow cookers can have “hot spots,” and a quick stir prevents any part of the batch from overcooking or sticking, guaranteeing perfectly sauced and tender meatballs every time.
Can I Make a Double Batch, and What Size Slow Cooker Should I Use?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for larger crowds. You can very easily double everything for a double batch, or even triple the ingredients for a triple amount. As written, the recipe, which uses 2 pounds of ground chicken (or turkey) for these delectable honey chipotle meatballs, will comfortably fit into a standard 3-quart slow cooker. This yields approximately 50-60 meatballs, assuming each is about a tablespoon-worth of mixture, which should generously serve 12-14 people as an appetizer.
If you decide to make a double batch, I strongly suggest using a larger slow cooker, specifically a 6-quart model or even bigger. This provides ample space for the increased volume of meatballs and sauce, allowing for even cooking and proper saucing. Don’t crowd your slow cooker, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.
Can I Prepare and Freeze Honey Chipotle Meatballs for Later?
Yes, you absolutely can! These meatballs are fantastic for meal prepping or saving for future gatherings. There are a couple of great ways to do this:
- Freezing Cooked Meatballs: After they’re fully cooked in the slow cooker, allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer the meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the slow cooker on the ‘keep warm’ setting, or gently on the stovetop. You can even skip the thawing step if you’re in a pinch, just add them directly to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, checking for doneness around the 3-hour mark.
- Freezing Uncooked Meatballs: This method is fantastic for ultimate convenience on the day of cooking. Prepare the chicken meatballs, roll them into shape, and then flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. The best part about this method is that you don’t even need to defrost them before cooking! Simply place the frozen homemade meatballs on a prepared baking sheet and bake for about 11 minutes (a little longer than fresh) to give them a head start before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce. You’ll need to kick the slow cooker cooking time up to 3-4 hours on low for frozen meatballs, ensuring they are fully cooked and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Imagine having these delicious meatballs ready to go with minimal fuss on a busy weeknight or the morning of a big game! It’s pure culinary genius.
Can I Prepare These in Advance and Just Reheat Them?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and perfect for advanced preparation. You can make the entire dish, from start to finish, the day before your event or meal. Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool, then refrigerate them in their sauce. A couple of hours before your guests are scheduled to arrive, simply transfer them back into your slow cooker and reheat them on the ‘keep warm’ setting. This method ensures they are perfectly warm, tender, and ready to serve right when you need them, without any last-minute stress.
How to Transform Honey Chipotle Meatballs into a Full Dinner
While these meatballs shine as an appetizer, they are equally fantastic when served as a hearty and satisfying dinner. Their sweet and spicy barbecue sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
I often enjoy serving these meatballs over a bed of fluffy brown rice or fragrant jasmine rice. The grains perfectly soak up the delectable sauce, making every bite a delight. And can I just say, a side of perfectly steamed broccoli, drizzled with a little extra of that irresistible honey barbecue sauce, is absolutely everything! For an even simpler cleanup, you can add about 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets directly to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ingenious trick means you don’t need to dirty extra dishes to steam your broccoli. That’s a definite WINNING strategy! Low-key and low-mess is always the way to go here!
A single batch of this recipe, when served with rice and broccoli as a side, will comfortably serve eight people as a complete and flavorful meal.
Last Tip for Easy Cleanup:
To make your post-meal cleanup a breeze, always remember this simple trick: liberally spray the inside of your slow cooker insert with a nonstick cooking spray before you add any of the ingredients for the sauce and meatballs. This creates a protective layer that helps prevent sticking and makes washing up significantly easier!
Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Meatballs
10 minutes
2 hours 10 minutes
2 hours 20 minutes
Addicting! These slow cooker honey chipotle meatballs are made with chicken and are so easy to put together! Just 10 simple ingredients and these come together in a flash! You can make them even quicker if you swap out the homemade meatballs for the remade frozen ones!
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon EACH: garlic powder AND onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Sauce:
- 1 (13-ounce) jar cherry preserves
- 1 (18-ounce) bottle honey chipotle barbecue sauce
- ½ teaspoon EACH: red pepper flakes AND garlic powder
Instructions
- PREP: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment or foil; set aside.
- MIX: In a large bowl, add the eggs, panko, seasonings and combine, then add the meat and mix. Using a 1 tablespoon measuring scoop, measure and roll out the meatballs, about 50-60. Place on baking sheets and bake for 9 minutes.
- SLOW COOKER: In a large measuring cup, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce. Spray the insert of a 3-quart slow cooker (or larger) with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in one-third of the sauce. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. And cover with the remaining sauce. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir gently after the first hour. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving if desired.
Have you made this recipe?
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If you love the sweet and savory flavors of these Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Meatballs, you might also enjoy these other fantastic recipes:
- Chicken Piccata Meatballs
- Cheesesteak Meatballs with Garlic Cheese Sauce
- Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs
- Classic Swedish Meatballs
- Comforting French Onion Chicken Meatballs