There’s something magical about the aroma of Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker) wafting through your home. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy meatballs that are smothered in tangy marinara and gooey melted cheese. delicious chicken enchiladas The savory flavors dance on your palate, while the comforting warmth envelops you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about this delectable dish long after the last bite.
Picture this: a busy weeknight, you’re juggling work deadlines and family duties, and you can hardly remember what day it is. Suddenly, the thought of Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker) pops into your head. crockpot chicken and dumplings This is the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table, laughter echoing as you share stories of your day. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms the heart and fills the belly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation allows even novice cooks to shine in the kitchen
- The rich flavor profile combines savory meat with tangy sauce and cheesy goodness
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress guests
- Versatile enough to serve over pasta or in a sub for a delightful sandwich
My friends still rave about the time I made these meatballs for our monthly dinner party; they practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option while ensuring juicy meatballs.
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Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor; fresh bread works too!
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a delightful nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
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Fresh Basil: Bright green basil leaves impart fresh herb flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
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Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara makes all the difference in flavor; homemade is best!
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Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey, melty finish we all crave in comfort food.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. cheesesteak potato casserole.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking, making cleanup easier later.
Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil until well combined—don’t be shy!
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs using your hands; aim for uniform size for even cooking.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour half of your marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker before placing meatballs on top—this keeps them moist!
Top with More Sauce and Mozzarella: Gently pour remaining marinara over meatballs and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for that cheesy goodness we all love.
Cook Low and Slow!: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
You Must Know
- Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker) are not just a meal; they’re a culinary hug
- The aroma alone will have your neighbors questioning their dinner choices
- Plus, they are incredibly forgiving for the less experienced chef, making them a great choice for gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the meatballs in a pan first to lock in flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker with sauce for tender, juicy goodness.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different cheeses or toss in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker) in an airtight container. Reheat on low in the microwave or stovetop to keep them moist. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For tender meatballs, don’t overmix your meat mixture; just combine until ingredients are incorporated
- Allow enough time for the flavors to meld in the slow cooker for optimal taste
- Finally, serve with garlic bread for an irresistible meal
Sharing my Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker) at a family gathering led to my aunt declaring it her new favorite dish!
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well but may result in lighter flavor.
How long should I cook the meatballs?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze leftover meatballs?
Absolutely! They freeze well and can be reheated later without losing flavor.
Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Chicken Parm Meatballs (slow cooker) are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make dish fills your home with a delightful aroma, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and basil until well mixed.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into the slow cooker and place meatballs on top.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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