Slow-Simmered Savory Chicken Meatballs In Rich Tomato Sauce

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal to make, look no further than these Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. I’m no chef, but I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and it always turns out great. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a comforting and flavorful meal for your family. The best part is that it cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s ready when you are.

Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Optional)
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)
• 5 cups crushed and strained tomatoes (such as Aurora®)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated onion, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Form the chicken mixture into 12-15 even-sized meatballs and add them to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. (Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat).
• Transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker and add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 meatball with 1/4 cup sauce
• Calories: 153
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 53 mg
• Sodium: 281 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Vitamin D: 0 mcg
• Calcium: 60 mg
• Iron: 1 mg
• Potassium: 156 mg

What is the benefit of making slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce?

Making slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce offers many advantages over other methods. The slow cooker method is easy and efficient, allowing cooks to prepare a complete meal with minimal effort. The slow, gentle cooking process ensures that the chicken meatballs remain juicy and the tomato sauce flavorful. Plus, the slow cooker keeps the dish warm, making it ideal for serving at parties or family gatherings. Furthermore, the meal requires no added fat, so it can be a healthier option than other recipes. All these benefits make slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce an ideal meal for busy cooks.

What tips and tricks can be used to make a successful slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce?

Start with pre-made ground chicken in order to save time.

• Combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, egg, and seasoning of your choice.
• Roll the mixture into balls, then add them to the slow cooker.
• Prepare the tomato sauce with garlic, crushed tomatoes, and herbs of your choice.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken meatballs and cook on low for 4 hours.
• Serve with cooked pasta or rice.
• If desired, top with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What are the key ingredients for making slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce?

The key ingredients for making slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce are chicken, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, eggs, tomato sauce, and parsley. The chicken is the main ingredient, while the breadcrumbs and eggs help bind the meatballs together. Garlic and onion add flavor, while salt and pepper season the meatballs. The tomato sauce provides the base for the sauce, while parsley can be used as a garnish. With these simple ingredients, you can easily make delicious slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce.

How long does it take to make slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce?

It takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to make slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce.

Slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce makes for a delicious and hearty meal that is easy to prepare. This dish cooks low and slow, allowing the flavors to blend and the meatballs to become juicy and tender. The long cooking time means that the meatballs need to start cooking in the morning or early afternoon to be ready in time for dinner.

To make slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce, start by mixing together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Roll the mixture into balls and place in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and cover the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to low, and let it cook for 4 to 6 hours.

When the slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce is done cooking, the meatballs will be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Serve the dish with a side of your choice and enjoy.

What are the potential variations of slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce?

There are several potential variations of slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce. Depending on your preferences and available ingredients, some of the variations you could try include adding vegetables such as onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the tomato sauce. You could also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to give the dish a unique flavor. Finally, you could try adding different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, to give the dish a cheesy and creamy texture. With some creativity and experimentation, you can create a delicious and unique slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce dish.