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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, juicy, and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce. With minimal prep and the crockpot doing all the work, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that stays warm for hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks (optional)
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  2. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the mixture into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll gently to form smooth rounds. Place on a baking sheet or plate. You should get about 24-28 meatballs.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the Frank’s RedHot, honey, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  4. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the buffalo sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure each one gets coated. Gently stir to distribute the sauce.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. About halfway through cooking, give the meatballs a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce.
  7. Once cooked, switch the crockpot to the warm setting. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks or a slotted spoon, alongside blue cheese or ranch dressing and fresh veggies. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or almond flour. For dairy-free, skip the Parmesan and use dairy-free butter. If sauce separates, stir before serving. To thicken sauce, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water during last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

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

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