Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs

Name: Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Deliciously tender and flavorful chicken meatballs that cook effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Created by

Sophia Lane

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:13:12.496Z

These slow cooker chicken meatballs are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Simply mix the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work. You'll come home to a delicious meal ready to serve!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
Tender meatballs bursting with flavor
Perfectly paired with pasta, rice, or on their own
Great for meal prep and leftovers

      

The Perfect Meal for Busy Days

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a healthy meal can be a challenge. That's where the Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs come to the rescue. With just a few minutes of preparation in the morning, you can set your slow cooker and return home to a delicious, home-cooked meal. This recipe is perfect for those hectic weekdays when you want to serve something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.

These meatballs not only save you time but also allow for versatility in your meal planning. Whether you pair them with pasta, serve them over rice, or enjoy them on their own, they adapt easily to your dietary preferences. Plus, they make fantastic leftovers—ideal for lunch the next day!

Flavor and Texture That Impress

One of the standout features of these chicken meatballs is their incredible flavor and texture. Combining ground chicken with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a moist, tender bite that’s packed with savory goodness. The addition of garlic and Italian seasoning brings a delightful aromatic quality that elevates the dish, making it a favorite among family and friends.

Moreover, cooking these meatballs in marinara sauce not only infuses them with extra flavor but also keeps them juicy throughout the cooking process. As they slow-cook, the ingredients meld together, resulting in a rich, hearty dish that everyone will love.

Healthier Comfort Food Option

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs, this recipe is the answer. Ground chicken contains less fat than beef, making it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake. Coupled with wholesome ingredients like fresh garlic and herbs, these meatballs provide a nutritious option without sacrificing taste.

Additionally, they are easily adaptable for various dietary needs. Whether you're gluten-free, dairy-free, or simply looking for a lighter meal, you can modify the ingredients accordingly. Using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting cheese can easily cater to different diets while still maintaining the delightful essence of this dish.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish

Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl and shape into balls.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Add to Slow Cooker

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy with your choice of pasta, rice, or on their own!

Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving to help retain moisture.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To achieve the best texture in your chicken meatballs, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Gently combine them until just blended to ensure your meatballs remain tender and juicy. If you find the mixture too wet, adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help achieve the right consistency.

Another helpful tip is to use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the meatballs evenly. This ensures that they cook uniformly in the slow cooker, resulting in perfectly cooked meatballs every time.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these meatballs, the possibilities are endless! For a classic Italian meal, serve them over a bed of spaghetti, drizzled with extra marinara sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, for a lighter option, serve them on a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or alongside a fresh green salad.

If you're looking to switch things up, consider using the meatballs in a sub sandwich. Simply place them in a toasted hoagie roll, cover with marinara and cheese, and bake until bubbly for a delightful twist on traditional meatball subs.

Storing and Reheating

These chicken meatballs are perfect for meal prep! After cooking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days, making them ideal for quick meals or snacks throughout the week.

To reheat, simply microwave the meatballs for a few minutes or warm them in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for longer storage—just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a convenient meal anytime!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with chicken meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious with spaghetti, rice, or as a sub sandwich with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield similar results.

→ How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are no longer pink inside.