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    Home » Recipes » Party Appetizers

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Crock Pot)

    Published: Aug 26, 2017 · Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by Aleka Shunk · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

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    These easy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are my favorite game day appetizer! Mostly because they're BAKED! I used Frank's RedHot sauce and a secret ingredient that will have people RAVING for hours! The spicy sweet flavors are always a winner and you don't have to worry about reheating them with a slow cooker!

    *Check out my other slow cooker appetizers!

    Franks RedHot buffalo chicken meatballs in a bowl with blue cheese on the side.
    Serve with mini toothpick and ranch or blue cheese sauce for dipping!

    Buffalo sauce and tailgating. Is there a better combination?

    I think not.

    If you love buffalo sauce as much as me, you have to try my Air Fryer Brown Sugar Buffalo Shrimp! They are a family favorite. If you want something low in carbs, then try my Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Rounds for a unique twist on buffalo wings.

    This recipe for buffalo chicken meatballs is as simple as it gets and pretty foolproof! I love how I can make them in advance and serve them in a crockpot which keeps them warm for hours without drying out.

    Serve with mini toothpicks for a fun skewered appetizer everyone will love noshing on!

    Throwing a football party? Check out these easy Super Bowl Tablescape food and decor ideas!

    Contents hide
    1 Ingredient Tips
    2 Instructions
    3 Thickening your sauce
    4 Expert Tips
    5 Can I Make These In My Slow Cooker?
    6 Can I Freeze These To Make Ahead of Time?
    7 Can I Make These Using FROZEN Meatballs?
    7.1 Check out these other delicious game day appetizers!
    8 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Crock Pot)
    8.1 Ingredients
    8.1.1 Meatballs
    8.1.2 Brown Sugar Buffalo Sauce
    8.2 Instructions
    8.3 Recipe Notes
    8.4 Nutrition
    9 Ingredient Tips
    10 Instructions
    11 Thickening your sauce
    12 Expert Tips
    13 Can I Make These In My Slow Cooker?
    14 Can I Freeze These To Make Ahead of Time?
    15 Can I Make These Using FROZEN Meatballs?
    15.1 Check out these other delicious game day appetizers!
    16 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Crock Pot)
    16.1 Ingredients
    16.1.1 Meatballs
    16.1.2 Brown Sugar Buffalo Sauce
    16.2 Instructions
    16.3 Recipe Notes
    16.4 Nutrition

    Ingredient Tips

    The ingredients are super simple and very straightforward. I do include one secret ingredient that I think is a MUST.

    • Hot Sauce- I love Frank's RedHot Sauce. It is found in any food store around here and the perfect consistency for this sauce.
    • Brown Sugar- YES!! This is my secret ingredient. It adds a deeper flavor than honey or sugar but if you don't have it on hand, you can replace it with either of those two swaps.
    • Ground Chicken- You can also use ground turkey, beef or pork.
    • Butter- All buffalo sauces have butter in them. If you don't like sauces too spicy, add more butter. If you want them more spicy, use less.
    • Scallions/Chives- The fresh ingredient aspect is so important in this appetizer. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top and it immediately brightens the dish while adding a pop of flavor.
    ground chicken. egg, breadcrumbs, onion and celery in a bowl for buffalo meatballs.

    Instructions

    Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

    Step 2: Scoop out meatballs using a mini ice cream scoop and roll in between your hands.

    Step 3: Place on a baking sheet or sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake according to instructions.

    Step 4: When meatballs are slightly cooled, add cooked meatballs to a Crock Pot and toss in the buffalo sauce. Set to warm and serve as needed.

    Raw meatballs on sheetpan.

    Thickening your sauce

    So most buffalo sauces are made with hot sauce and butter. And as the butter cools, it solidifies which naturally thickens your sauce. However, you need a lot of butter to do this which isn't very healthy. Plus, if your keeping these warm in your slow cooker, the sauce will be hot.

    So the best way to thicken a buffalo sauce is to add some cornstarch. What I did was as a little but to the hot sauce, butter and brown sugar mixture. Then I simmered it for a little over the stove before pouring over top of my meatballs. If you leave out the cornstarch, the sauce will be delicious but the consistency will be too thin.

    Expert Tips

    • Use a mini ice cream scooper to roll balls evenly and consistent in size.
    • Prevent dry meatballs by not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    • To get perfectly rounded meatballs, pop your meatballs in the freezer for 30 minutes, until the harden a bit, then re-roll them.
    • Replace the honey for the brown sugar if you prefer.
    Pouring buffalo sauce ove rmeatballs.

    If you love using your crock pot, check out these Easy Crock Pot Appetizers to serve at your party!

    Can I Make These In My Slow Cooker?

    So the rule when it comes to cooking meatballs in a slow cooker is pretty standard across the board. Unless you pre-cook them for at least 5 minutes, they will stick to each other. If you lay them flat and spaced apart, you may be able to get away with placing them in completely raw but then your limiting the amount of meatballs you can prepare.

    So if you want to keep this warm in your slow cooker, you still can!

    To do that, bake your meatballs in the oven FIRST. Then transfer them on over to your slow cooker set on warm. This way, you can add everything to your crock pot including the buffalo sauce and without sticking!

    spicy and sweet buffalo chicken meatballs on a skewer dipped in blue cheese dressing.

    Check out these other meatball appetizers you'll love.

    Can I Freeze These To Make Ahead of Time?

    Yes!

    What I do, is bake a large batch of the meatballs at once maybe 2-3 lbs. of chicken, freeze them, then pull them out Sunday morning (or whenever you want) and throw them in the slow cooker with the brown sugar buffalo sauce! By the time the game starts, the meatballs are perfectly warmed through. You want to give them about 90 minutes to defrost.

    Can I Make These Using FROZEN Meatballs?

    The flavors of these meatballs pair well with my sauce so I don't recommend it. However, if you love the sauce, you can add it to any kind of meatballs.

    Check out this list of frozen meatball appetizers you may like better!

    Buffalo chicken meatballs on white plate.

    Check out these other delicious game day appetizers!

    Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Bites with Dipping Sauce

    Disco Fries (Gravy Mozzarella Cheese Fries)

    Puff Pastry Sausage Pigs in a Blanket

    Fried Red Tomatoes (with Red Pepper Basil Aioli)

    Hatfield Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos

    Sausage Balls Without Bisquick Pancake Mix

    👋 Let's be friends! Join my mailing list to receive entertaining tips and NEW recipes!

    📲 Say hi on social!! 👋 Follow me on facebook, instagram, pinterest, youtube or tiktok for more recipes and entertaining tips!

    Crock Pot buffalo chicken meatball on a skewer with blue cheese sauce.

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Crock Pot)

    These easy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are my favorite game day appetizer! Made with Franks RedHot sauce and brown sugar, they are spicy, sweet and covered in sauce! Plus, they can be kept warm in your slow cooker for hours!
    4.69 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes
    Servings: 6 People
    Calories: 318kcal
    Author: Aleka Shunk

    Ingredients

    Meatballs

    • 1 lb. Ground Chicken (or turkey)
    • 1 Stick Finely Chopped Celery
    • ¼ Cup Grated Onion
    • 1 Large Egg
    • ½ Tsp. Salt
    • ¼ Tsp. Pepper
    • ¼ Cup Instant Tapioca ((OR substitute ¾ cup GF bread crumbs))

    Brown Sugar Buffalo Sauce

    • ½ Cup Hot Sauce
    • ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
    • ½ Stick Salted Butter
    • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch

    Instructions

    • Option 1: Add all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.
      Option 2: If you don't feel like chopping the celery or grating the onion, add everything but the meat and tapioca to a food processor and pulse until pureed. Then add to meat and tapioca in large bowl to the puree and mix until combined.
    • Using a mini ice cream scoop (about 1 oz.) for consistency, scoop meatballs onto large greased baking sheet and bake at 375° F for 12-15 minutes on middle rack, (I do not turn them but you can halfway if you want more even browning.) 
    • Meanwhile, add the melted butter, hot sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened. (about 5 minutes)
    • When meatballs are done, toss them in your Crock Pot along with the sauce while hot. Set to warm and serve as needed.
    • Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side! Skewers are optional!

    Recipe Notes

    If your meatballs are TOO sticky, add more tapioca or breadcrumbs just until they hold their shape!
    Make more sauce if you need! These babies should be drenched in it!                    
    Party Tips*
    • Place skewers/toothpicks in a small shot glass and allow guests to grab them as they please!
    • These freeze well so make ahead of time, allow to cool, and place in plastic bag or Tupperware until you need them! Then just warm up in a 350 F oven OR throw the cooked meatballs straight from the freezer in a crock-pot, add sauce and turn on "warm"!                                                               
    Note!
    I do not put the meatballs in the crock-pot raw to cook! Uncooked meatballs will stick to one another when they are stacked on top of each other! This is why I bake them FIRST then add them to the crock pot!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.9g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14.9g | Saturated Fat: 6.8g | Cholesterol: 119mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag Me On Facebook!Mention @AlekasGetTogether or tag #AlekasGetTogether!

    These easy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are my favorite game day appetizer! Mostly because they're BAKED! I used Frank's RedHot sauce and a secret ingredient that will have people RAVING for hours! The spicy sweet flavors are always a winner and you don't have to worry about reheating them with a slow cooker!

    *Check out my other slow cooker appetizers!

    Franks RedHot buffalo chicken meatballs in a bowl with blue cheese on the side.
    Serve with mini toothpick and ranch or blue cheese sauce for dipping!

    Buffalo sauce and tailgating. Is there a better combination?

    I think not.

    If you love buffalo sauce as much as me, you have to try my Air Fryer Brown Sugar Buffalo Shrimp! They are a family favorite. If you want something low in carbs, then try my Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Rounds for a unique twist on buffalo wings.

    This recipe for buffalo chicken meatballs is as simple as it gets and pretty foolproof! I love how I can make them in advance and serve them in a crockpot which keeps them warm for hours without drying out.

    Serve with mini toothpicks for a fun skewered appetizer everyone will love noshing on!

    Throwing a football party? Check out these easy Super Bowl Tablescape food and decor ideas!

    Ingredient Tips

    The ingredients are super simple and very straightforward. I do include one secret ingredient that I think is a MUST.

    • Hot Sauce- I love Frank's RedHot Sauce. It is found in any food store around here and the perfect consistency for this sauce.
    • Brown Sugar- YES!! This is my secret ingredient. It adds a deeper flavor than honey or sugar but if you don't have it on hand, you can replace it with either of those two swaps.
    • Ground Chicken- You can also use ground turkey, beef or pork.
    • Butter- All buffalo sauces have butter in them. If you don't like sauces too spicy, add more butter. If you want them more spicy, use less.
    • Scallions/Chives- The fresh ingredient aspect is so important in this appetizer. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top and it immediately brightens the dish while adding a pop of flavor.
    ground chicken. egg, breadcrumbs, onion and celery in a bowl for buffalo meatballs.

    Instructions

    Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

    Step 2: Scoop out meatballs using a mini ice cream scoop and roll in between your hands.

    Step 3: Place on a baking sheet or sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake according to instructions.

    Step 4: When meatballs are slightly cooled, add cooked meatballs to a Crock Pot and toss in the buffalo sauce. Set to warm and serve as needed.

    Raw meatballs on sheetpan.

    Thickening your sauce

    So most buffalo sauces are made with hot sauce and butter. And as the butter cools, it solidifies which naturally thickens your sauce. However, you need a lot of butter to do this which isn't very healthy. Plus, if your keeping these warm in your slow cooker, the sauce will be hot.

    So the best way to thicken a buffalo sauce is to add some cornstarch. What I did was as a little but to the hot sauce, butter and brown sugar mixture. Then I simmered it for a little over the stove before pouring over top of my meatballs. If you leave out the cornstarch, the sauce will be delicious but the consistency will be too thin.

    Expert Tips

    • Use a mini ice cream scooper to roll balls evenly and consistent in size.
    • Prevent dry meatballs by not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    • To get perfectly rounded meatballs, pop your meatballs in the freezer for 30 minutes, until the harden a bit, then re-roll them.
    • Replace the honey for the brown sugar if you prefer.
    Pouring buffalo sauce ove rmeatballs.

    Can I Make These In My Slow Cooker?

    So the rule when it comes to cooking meatballs in a slow cooker is pretty standard across the board. Unless you pre-cook them for at least 5 minutes, they will stick to each other. If you lay them flat and spaced apart, you may be able to get away with placing them in completely raw but then your limiting the amount of meatballs you can prepare.

    So if you want to keep this warm in your slow cooker, you still can!

    To do that, bake your meatballs in the oven FIRST. Then transfer them on over to your slow cooker set on warm. This way, you can add everything to your crock pot including the buffalo sauce and without sticking!

    spicy and sweet buffalo chicken meatballs on a skewer dipped in blue cheese dressing.

    Check out these other meatball appetizers you'll love.

    Can I Freeze These To Make Ahead of Time?

    Yes!

    What I do, is bake a large batch of the meatballs at once maybe 2-3 lbs. of chicken, freeze them, then pull them out Sunday morning (or whenever you want) and throw them in the slow cooker with the brown sugar buffalo sauce! By the time the game starts, the meatballs are perfectly warmed through. You want to give them about 90 minutes to defrost.

    Can I Make These Using FROZEN Meatballs?

    The flavors of these meatballs pair well with my sauce so I don't recommend it. However, if you love the sauce, you can add it to any kind of meatballs.

    Check out this list of frozen meatball appetizers you may like better!

    Buffalo chicken meatballs on white plate.

    Check out these other delicious game day appetizers!

    Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Bites with Dipping Sauce

    Disco Fries (Gravy Mozzarella Cheese Fries)

    Puff Pastry Sausage Pigs in a Blanket

    Fried Red Tomatoes (with Red Pepper Basil Aioli)

    Hatfield Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos

    Sausage Balls Without Bisquick Pancake Mix

    👋 Let's be friends! Join my mailing list to receive entertaining tips and NEW recipes!

    📲 Say hi on social!! 👋 Follow me on facebook, instagram, pinterest, youtube or tiktok for more recipes and entertaining tips!

    Crock Pot buffalo chicken meatball on a skewer with blue cheese sauce.

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Crock Pot)

    These easy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are my favorite game day appetizer! Made with Franks RedHot sauce and brown sugar, they are spicy, sweet and covered in sauce! Plus, they can be kept warm in your slow cooker for hours!
    4.69 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes
    Servings: 6 People
    Calories: 318kcal
    Author: Aleka Shunk

    Ingredients

    Meatballs

    • 1 lb. Ground Chicken (or turkey)
    • 1 Stick Finely Chopped Celery
    • ¼ Cup Grated Onion
    • 1 Large Egg
    • ½ Tsp. Salt
    • ¼ Tsp. Pepper
    • ¼ Cup Instant Tapioca ((OR substitute ¾ cup GF bread crumbs))

    Brown Sugar Buffalo Sauce

    • ½ Cup Hot Sauce
    • ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
    • ½ Stick Salted Butter
    • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch

    Instructions

    • Option 1: Add all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.
      Option 2: If you don't feel like chopping the celery or grating the onion, add everything but the meat and tapioca to a food processor and pulse until pureed. Then add to meat and tapioca in large bowl to the puree and mix until combined.
    • Using a mini ice cream scoop (about 1 oz.) for consistency, scoop meatballs onto large greased baking sheet and bake at 375° F for 12-15 minutes on middle rack, (I do not turn them but you can halfway if you want more even browning.) 
    • Meanwhile, add the melted butter, hot sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened. (about 5 minutes)
    • When meatballs are done, toss them in your Crock Pot along with the sauce while hot. Set to warm and serve as needed.
    • Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side! Skewers are optional!

    Recipe Notes

    If your meatballs are TOO sticky, add more tapioca or breadcrumbs just until they hold their shape!
    Make more sauce if you need! These babies should be drenched in it!                    
    Party Tips*
    • Place skewers/toothpicks in a small shot glass and allow guests to grab them as they please!
    • These freeze well so make ahead of time, allow to cool, and place in plastic bag or Tupperware until you need them! Then just warm up in a 350 F oven OR throw the cooked meatballs straight from the freezer in a crock-pot, add sauce and turn on "warm"!                                                               
    Note!
    I do not put the meatballs in the crock-pot raw to cook! Uncooked meatballs will stick to one another when they are stacked on top of each other! This is why I bake them FIRST then add them to the crock pot!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.9g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14.9g | Saturated Fat: 6.8g | Cholesterol: 119mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag Me On Facebook!Mention @AlekasGetTogether or tag #AlekasGetTogether!
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    Comments

    1. Marie

      December 19, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for make-ahead appy ideas for the holiday gatherings. I tried these this week to see if I'd like them enough to bring to our Christmas eve celebration. They are delicious! Thanks for the recipe. I'll be checking out more on your site, Aleka. Sending blessings for a lovely holiday season...

      Reply
      • Aleka Shunk

        December 20, 2021 at 10:31 am

        Thanks so much Marie! Glad you liked them!

    2. Heidi

      February 16, 2020 at 7:12 am

      5 stars
      These are AMAZING! I brought them to a Super Bowl party and everyone loved them! Definitely will make again.

      Reply
      • Aleka Shunk

        February 16, 2020 at 7:52 am

        I'm so glad everyone liked the meatballs! The Super Bowl is a perfect party to bring them out! Thank you for your nice comment!

    3. Emily

      April 06, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      I'm saving this recipe for the party season, it looks SO good!!

      Reply
    4. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out F

      April 06, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      My Badgers have their home opener tonight, and these meatballs will be PERFECT. There IS nothing better than the aroma of Mr. Crockpot hard at work in the kitchen, and I can't wait to fire him up with these meatballs! I love the scattering of scallions on top for serving. I'm definitely a blue cheese girl, but my kids are devout ranch dressing eaters, so I'll be setting out both—with some celery sticks!

      Reply
      • Bite Sized Kitchen

        April 06, 2018 at 9:11 pm

        Lol! Thanks Michelle! That's a good idea!

    5. Patty

      April 06, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      Looks so delicious, great food for entertaining!

      Reply
      • Bite Sized Kitchen

        April 06, 2018 at 9:11 pm

        Yes they most certainly are!! Thanks Patty!

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