Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs
A slow cooker recipe featuring all the flavors of buffalo wings without the frying. Spicy chicken meatballs are served on crispy hoagie rolls with a tangy blue cheese spread. Perfect for game day!
A slow cooker recipe featuring all the flavors of buffalo wings without the frying. Spicy chicken meatballs are served on crispy hoagie rolls with a tangy blue cheese spread. Perfect for game day!
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ====for meatballs====
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons minced celery
- 1 tablespoons chopped celery leaves
- 1 garlic clove-minced
- 2 tablespoons frank’s hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ====for buffalo sauce====
- 1/2 cup frank’s hot sauce
- 1-2 cups low sodium chicken stock or water
- ====for blue cheese spread====
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced celery
- 4 hoagie rolls (i used the french dip rolls)
- fresh spinach, arugula, or lettuce, optional
- Carbohydrate 54.6216252772746 g
- Cholesterol 184.26892205 mg
- Fat 29.2710099716442 g
- Fiber 3.699458403821 g
- Protein 34.7873341026753 g
- Saturated Fat 13.4832923584171 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (256g)
- Sodium 1550.12734716609 mg
- Sugar 50.9221668734536 g
- Trans Fat 2.4122696956635 g
- Calories 621 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, celery, egg, hot sauce, celery leaves, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Scoop out chicken mixture using a tablespoon and form into meatballs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 10 minutes, flip, rotate the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes. Do not cook them all the way through; just get a light brown crust.
- If making ahead, let meatballs cool and store uncovered in the fridge.
- Place meatballs in your slow cooker.
- Add Frank's hot sauce and chicken stock; ensure meatballs are submerged. Add more stock or water if needed.
- Add butter. Cook on low for 8 hours. Check liquid level and sauce after 6 hours, adjusting as needed.
- While meatballs cook, prepare the blue cheese spread: mix ingredients in a medium bowl, cover, and chill.
- Place meatballs on toasted hoagie rolls with blue cheese spread, lettuce or spinach, and a drizzle of sauce.
- Serve with chips, celery sticks, and a cold beer (optional).
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs: A Game Day Winner
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. Game day gatherings often feel overwhelming, balancing work, kids’ activities, and wanting to impress guests. That’s where this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs recipe comes in. It's a lifesaver, seriously. No more hours slaving away in the kitchen; instead, I can spend quality time with my family and friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It captures the bold flavors of buffalo wings without the messy deep-frying. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the chicken meatballs with a rich, tangy sauce. The meatballs themselves are juicy and tender, perfectly complementing the creamy blue cheese spread and the crisp hoagie rolls. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
I started making these subs for family game days, and they quickly became a favorite among everyone, even the picky eaters. My kids love them! The recipe is versatile; you can adjust the spice level to your liking. For those who prefer a milder flavor, reducing the amount of hot sauce is a simple fix. For the spice fanatics, feel free to add a little extra kick. I’ve even experimented with different types of cheese in the spread, finding that a blend of blue cheese and cream cheese creates an even richer flavor.
The preparation is straightforward. I usually prep the meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge, making the morning of the game a breeze. While the meatballs simmer away in the slow cooker, I focus on other preparations for the party, like chopping veggies for snacks or setting the table. The blue cheese spread is equally easy, requiring minimal effort and chilling time, freeing up my time for more important things.
This recipe isn't just perfect for game days; it's also a fantastic option for a casual weeknight dinner. The slow cooker makes cleanup effortless, another significant advantage for a busy individual. The leftovers are great as well—perfect for a quick lunch the next day or to add to salads for a delicious twist.
Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe based on feedback and personal preferences. The addition of celery leaves adds an unexpected layer of freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the blue cheese and the heat of the buffalo sauce. The panko breadcrumbs help give the meatballs a lovely crispy texture, even after being slow-cooked. I’ve tried using different types of rolls, and french dip rolls are my current favorites. They are soft yet substantial enough to hold the juicy meatballs and generously slathered blue cheese sauce.
So, whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs recipe is a must-try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a true testament to the magic of slow cooking. It’s the kind of recipe that allows me to enjoy both the process and the result, a comforting feeling in our often chaotic lives.
Beyond the culinary satisfaction, this recipe represents a way to connect with others, to share a simple yet delicious meal that brings people together. It’s about creating memories, not just cooking a meal. And as a busy mom, that’s a lesson as valuable as any recipe.
