Name: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; ½ cup almond flour (or 2.5 tbsp coconut flour); 1 egg; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ cup ghee or vegan butter; ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot (or Whole30-compliant buffalo sauce)

If you’re a fan of bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, you’re going to love these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for game day, family gatherings, or even as a simple weeknight dinner. Made with juicy ground chicken, warm spices, and drenched in a luscious buffalo sauce, these meatballs are packed with flavor while still being healthy and wholesome. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly, making them a fantastic option for anyone who wants a guilt-free indulgence.

What I love most about these meatballs is how easy they are to make. You toss everything together in one bowl, roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just dipping your toes into meal prep, this recipe is foolproof. And the best part? That spicy buffalo sauce that coats the meatballs is absolutely irresistible. Let’s dive into all the reasons why you need these little bites of heaven in your life!

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

There’s so much to adore about this recipe! Here’s why I’m confident these meatballs will become a staple in your kitchen:

Easy to Make: With just a handful of pantry staples and less than 30 minutes of hands-on prep time, you’ll have these meatballs ready to cook in no time.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion powder, and parsley in the meatballs is delicious on its own. But when you smother them in buffalo sauce? Next level!
Versatile: These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, a main dish, or even meal-prep for the week. Pair them with veggies, cauliflower rice, or salad for a satisfying, healthy meal.
Great for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual dinner, these meatballs are always a hit. You can even keep them warm in the slow cooker, so guests can help themselves.
Healthier Comfort Food: These meatballs are free of gluten, dairy, and processed ingredients, but they still deliver that indulgent, comforting taste you crave.

Can you tell I’m obsessed? Let’s talk about how to bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen!

Preparation Time and Serving Size

This recipe is as quick and easy as it gets! Here’s what to expect:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours in the slow cooker (plus 10 minutes of baking)
Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: Makes about 16 meatballs, which serves 4 as a main dish or 6-8 as an appetizer.

Now let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these buffalo chicken meatballs. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have everything you need!

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken: This is the base of your meatballs! Ground chicken is lean, tender, and the perfect canvas for soaking up all that delicious buffalo sauce. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
½ cup almond flour: Acts as the binder in place of traditional breadcrumbs. It keeps the meatballs tender and gluten-free. For a nut-free option, you can substitute 2.5 tablespoons of coconut flour.
1 egg: Helps bind the meatballs together so they don’t fall apart during cooking.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Another layer of flavor to season the chicken mixture.
½ teaspoon dried parsley: Gives the meatballs a pop of freshness.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything together.

For the Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup ghee or vegan butter: This makes the sauce rich, silky, and perfect for coating the meatballs. If you’re not dairy-free, regular butter works too!
½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: The ultimate buffalo sauce base! It’s spicy, tangy, and absolutely delicious.

Optional toppings and sides:

Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Ranch dressing, carrot sticks, and celery sticks for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these delicious meatballs step by step. Trust me, you’ve got this!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will keep the meatballs from sticking to the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and sea salt. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix—the meatballs will be more tender if you mix just until combined.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 16 evenly sized balls. Aim for about 1¼ inches wide (about the size of a golf ball). Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 3: Partially Bake the Meatballs

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape before you transfer them to the slow cooker. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the meatballs are in the oven, it’s time to make your buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the ghee or vegan butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Meatballs

Transfer the partially baked meatballs to your slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top, making sure all the meatballs are evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, and serve with ranch dressing, carrot sticks, and celery sticks on the side. Enjoy them warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile, so there are plenty of ways to serve them! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

As an appetizer: Arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping and a side of carrot and celery sticks for a classic pairing.
As a main dish: Make it a meal by serving the meatballs over a bed of cauliflower rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. Add some avocado slices on the side for extra creaminess.
In a wrap or sandwich: Toss the meatballs in some extra buffalo sauce and pile them into a lettuce wrap or soft pita for a handheld option.
Over a salad: Use the meatballs as a protein-packed topping for your favorite salad greens. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a tangy kick.

Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

To make sure your meatballs turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs. This ensures even cooking and makes the process so much easier.
Make sure to partially bake the meatballs. This step helps them hold their shape in the slow cooker and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.
Adjust the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less hot sauce or mix the buffalo sauce with a little extra ghee.
Keep them warm for parties. If you’re serving these meatballs at a party, leave them in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting so guests can help themselves.

Recipe Variations

If you want to mix things up, here are a few fun variations to try:

Spicy Honey Buffalo Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of honey to the buffalo sauce for a touch of sweetness that balances the heat.
Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Swap the buffalo sauce for a teriyaki glaze or sweet chili sauce.
Turkey or Beef Meatballs: Use ground turkey or lean ground beef instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Gluten-Free Swap: If you don’t have almond flour, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour as a binder.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerate: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Arrange the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, bake them and follow the recipe as usual.

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite pre-made buffalo sauce.

What can I use instead of almond flour?
You can use coconut flour (about 2.5 tablespoons), gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even oat flour as a substitute.

Can I freeze uncooked meatballs?
Yes, you can! Shape the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?
For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce and add more ghee or butter.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs that are easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try them! If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below or tag me on social media. Happy cooking!