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Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe with Honey Ranch Dip

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These slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs deliver a perfect balance of spicy and tender flavors, paired with a sweet and creamy honey ranch dip. Ideal for easy entertaining and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (lean but juicy)
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (classic wing sauce, medium heat)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs) and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet or plate.
  3. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Pour ½ cup buffalo sauce into the bottom and spread evenly.
  4. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer over the buffalo sauce. Drizzle the remaining buffalo sauce over the meatballs to coat evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Check doneness after 3 hours by cutting a meatball in half or using a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the meatballs cook, whisk together ranch dressing, honey, lemon juice, and optional chives in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  7. Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat well. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm with the honey ranch dip.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Let meatballs rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to firm up. For extra tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the buffalo sauce before cooking. Can bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, honey ranch dip, easy appetizer, game day recipe, crowd-pleaser, spicy meatballs

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-meatballs-recipe-with-honey-ranch-dip/