Savory Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Tender crockpot garlic butter chicken meatballs promise a comforting meal that melts in your mouth.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, these juicy morsels deliver pure culinary magic.

Soft and succulent, each bite tells a story of slow-cooked perfection.

Minimal effort translates into maximum satisfaction with this foolproof recipe.

Fragrant garlic and smooth butter create an irresistible combination that makes dinner feel like a warm hug.

No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients stand between you and this delectable dish.

Let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Garlic Butter Meatballs Slow-Cooked to Perfection

• Crockpot method makes preparing delicious meatballs incredibly simple, requiring minimal hands-on time and perfect for busy home cooks.
• Easily adaptable dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or with bread, making it a flexible option for different preferences and meal styles.
• Garlic butter sauce creates a rich, mouthwatering experience that transforms ordinary chicken meatballs into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
• Prepare ahead of time and let the crockpot do the work, making it an excellent option for families, weeknight dinners, or meal planning enthusiasts.

Crockpot Ingredients for Garlic Butter Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main structure and flavor of the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together and create a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps to keep the meatballs moist.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatball mixture together.

• Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic herb blend that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Butter, Garlic: Create a rich, aromatic base that infuses the meatballs with deep, comforting flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to keep the meatballs moist and adds additional depth to the cooking liquid.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

How to Cook These Meatballs Low and Slow

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Meatballs

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Half of the minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently combine all ingredients and roll into adorable bite-sized meatballs that promise maximum flavor.

Step 2: Optional Golden Sear

Heat a skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Carefully place meatballs in batches, browning them to perfection for 3-4 minutes.

This step amplifies the taste but is totally optional for busy cooks.

Step 3: Prepare Crockpot Magic

Pour remaining butter, chicken broth, and leftover garlic into the crockpot.

Lovingly nestle the meatballs into this aromatic liquid, ensuring each one gets coated in the luxurious garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the crockpot work its magic.

On low setting, cook for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are completely cooked through and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve these juicy meatballs over pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Garlic Meatballs

• Make meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time and enhance flavor development.
• Ensure even browning by not overcrowding the skillet and using medium-high heat for a golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for variety while maintaining similar cooking times and techniques.
• Add an extra splash of chicken broth if sauce seems too thick, ensuring meatballs remain juicy and well-coated during slow cooking.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Reheating Garlic Butter Meatballs the Easy Way

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm meatballs in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Great Pairings for Garlic Butter Flavors

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich garlic butter, complementing the chicken meatballs with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve with Herbed Focaccia: Crusty, olive oil-brushed focaccia with rosemary and sea salt provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious garlic butter sauce.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the creamy, savory meatballs, balancing the dish's richness.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Colorful roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add vibrant nutrition and caramelized sweetness that elevates the meatball's deep garlic flavor.

Meatball Variations with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef for a protein-rich alternative that maintains the recipe's core flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the meatballs suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich taste.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use ground pork rinds or finely chopped cauliflower rice as a binding agent, creating a keto-friendly meatball option.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute with similar texture and flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is lean to prevent excess grease in the final dish.

• How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This simple swap maintains the meatball’s texture while making the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Is searing the meatballs really necessary?

Searing is optional but recommended. It helps develop a deeper flavor and creates a nice golden exterior. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step without compromising the overall taste.

• What should the internal temperature of the meatballs be?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully and safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs, a soul-warming dish that marries tender meat with rich, aromatic flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, these meatballs promise a delightful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 egg

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Garnish:

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious blend of ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, half the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently knead the mixture until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Shape the meat mixture into petite, uniform spheres, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Optional: Create a golden exterior by sizzling meatballs in melted butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. This step enhances flavor complexity but can be omitted if time is limited.
4. Transfer remaining butter, chicken broth, and residual garlic into the crockpot, creating a luxurious aromatic base.
5. Nestle meatballs into the liquid, ensuring each morsel is lavishly coated with the garlic butter essence.
6. Secure the crockpot lid and slow-cook at low temperature (195°F) for 4-5 hours or high temperature (215°F) for 2-3 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
7. Conclude by adorning with freshly chopped parsley and presenting alongside pasta, steamed rice, or crusty artisan bread to absorb the rich, velvety sauce.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by browning meatballs before slow cooking, creating a deeper caramelized exterior that locks in rich taste and texture.
• Ensure moisture by avoiding overmixing meat, which can lead to dense, tough meatballs; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
• Customize protein easily by substituting ground chicken with turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Prevent dryness by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy meatballs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 5 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg