Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Posted on September 12, 2025

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from game day gatherings to family parties. These meatballs are packed with flavor, thanks to a spicy buffalo wing sauce that elevates them to a whole new level. Their tender texture and zesty kick make them an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With minimal effort required, you can whip up these delicious meatballs in no time.
Flavorful Sauce: The buffalo wing sauce adds a bold, spicy flavor that makes these meatballs stand out.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a hearty appetizer or pair them with sides for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, tailgating, or casual gatherings, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and let your slow cooker do the work, freeing up your time.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow cooker
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

Slow cooker: This tool allows for convenient cooking over several hours without constant monitoring.
Baking sheet: Ideal for baking the meatballs before transferring them to the slow cooker, ensuring they hold their shape.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly before shaping the meatballs.

Ingredients

With homemade meatballs and a spicy sauce, these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a fun and tasty appetizer for any gathering.

For the Meatballs

2 pounds ground chicken (thawed)
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 cup celery (diced)
½ cup green onions (diced + more for garnish)
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups buffalo wing sauce (any brand, I used Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce in buffalo)
½ cup unsalted butter (cubed)

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step ensures that your meatballs bake evenly and develop a nice color.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Ground chicken
2. Breadcrumbs
3. Diced celery
4. Diced green onions
5. Eggs
6. Minced garlic
7. Salt
8. Ground black pepper

Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Form Meatballs

With your hands or using a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they begin to brown slightly.

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Once baked, carefully remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to your slow cooker.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Butter

Pour buffalo wing sauce over the top of the meatballs and add cubed butter for richness.

Step 8: Cook on Low Heat

Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating with sauce.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Stir again before serving warm. Garnish with optional diced green onion if desired. Enjoy these flavorful bites at your next gathering!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day or a casual gathering with friends. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

On a Platter

Arrange the meatballs on a large platter, drizzling extra buffalo sauce on top for presentation. Garnish with chopped green onions for color and flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

Serve alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These cool sauces balance the spicy heat of the meatballs perfectly.

As Sliders

Place meatballs in slider buns and top with shredded lettuce and cheese. This makes for a delicious handheld treat that guests will love.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serve meatballs over a bed of rice or quinoa to create a satisfying meal. Drizzle some buffalo sauce over the top for added flavor.

In Tacos

Use soft tortillas to make buffalo chicken tacos. Add toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for a fresh twist.

With Veggie Sticks

Pair the meatballs with celery, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices. This adds a crunchy element and is great for dipping into sauces.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

To make the best Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, consider these helpful tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ground chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your meatballs.
Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until mixed; overworking can lead to tough meatballs.
Adjust spice levels: Customize the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
Cook low and slow: Cooking the meatballs on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping them juicy.
Garnish generously: Adding fresh herbs or additional toppings can elevate presentation and taste.
Double the recipe: These meatballs are so popular that making a larger batch ensures everyone gets their fill!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crispy romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing complements the spiciness of the meatballs.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the heat, providing a refreshing contrast.
Baked Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges are perfect for dipping into extra buffalo sauce or dressing.
Garlic Bread: Soft garlic bread is excellent for soaking up sauce left on your plate and adds comforting flavors.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides a rich side that pairs nicely with spicy dishes.
Veggie Platter: Fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes offer a light option that’s perfect alongside hearty meatballs.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins can balance out spicy flavors while adding a delightful texture to your meal.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or grains make an attractive and nutritious side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them.

Overmixing the meatball mixture: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine the ingredients just until fully integrated for a tender texture.
Not pre-baking meatballs: Skipping the baking step can result in meatballs that fall apart in the slow cooker. Bake them briefly to help them hold their shape.
Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your mixture properly may lead to bland meatballs. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance the overall flavor.
Using too much sauce: Overloading with sauce can make the meatballs soggy. Use enough to coat without drowning them.
Cooking on high heat: Cooking too fast may not allow flavors to meld. Opt for low heat for best results and a more flavorful dish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Simmer gently with a splash of water or sauce over low heat until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones and ensure the wing sauce is also gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will still yield flavorful meatballs.

How spicy are these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

The spice level depends on the buffalo wing sauce used. You can choose mild or hot based on your preference.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even as sliders on buns!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and versatile appetizer perfect for any gathering. With options for customization, you can adjust spice levels or add extra ingredients like cheese or herbs. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests!