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Cozy Crockpot Honey Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

crockpot honey buffalo chicken meatballs - featured image

These Honey Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are sweet, spicy, and cozy, perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, they are tender, juicy, and topped with a cool ranch drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (lean, but not too dry)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp fresh chopped chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Using slightly wet hands, roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 total. Place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  4. Spray crockpot insert with non-stick spray or brush with oil. Arrange meatballs in a single layer and pour sauce evenly over them.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, stirring sauce gently halfway through. Alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, watching closely.
  6. While meatballs finish cooking, whisk ranch dressing with chopped chives or parsley and refrigerate.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer meatballs to a serving dish. Drizzle ranch over the top or serve on the side. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid toughness. Stir sauce halfway through cooking to keep meatballs juicy and evenly coated. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Sauce can be simmered on stove to thicken if too thin after cooking. Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey buffalo chicken meatballs, crockpot meatballs, game day recipes, easy appetizers, slow cooker chicken meatballs, buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle