Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Craving a flavorful and comforting meal that’s also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs! This recipe combines the savory goodness of chicken meatballs with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple butter, creating a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even game day gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your time. The aroma alone will have your family begging for dinner!

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve the meatballs over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even as sliders on mini buns. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort. Just combine the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of chicken, apple butter, and spices creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that everyone will love.
* **Versatile:** Serve these meatballs in a variety of ways – as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch of these meatballs and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy weeknight meals.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The slightly sweet and savory flavor is a hit with kids of all ages.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Meatballs:

* 1.5 pounds ground chicken
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
* 1/4 cup finely diced onion
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Apple Butter Sauce:

* 1.5 cups apple butter
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

## Equipment

* Large mixing bowl
* Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform meatballs)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s how to make these delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture**

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.

**Step 2: Form the Meatballs**

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. If you’re using a cookie scoop, it will help ensure that all the meatballs are uniform in size, which will help them cook evenly.

**Step 3: Sear the Meatballs (Optional)**

This step is optional, but searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker will add a deeper, richer flavor and help them hold their shape better. To sear the meatballs, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.

**Step 4: Prepare the Apple Butter Sauce**

In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar (if using), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.

**Step 5: Add Meatballs and Sauce to the Slow Cooker**

Pour the apple butter sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. If you have a lot of meatballs, you may need to stack them slightly. Make sure the meatballs are mostly covered in the sauce. If they aren’t, you can add a little more chicken broth.

**Step 6: Cook the Meatballs**

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

Once the meatballs are cooked, you can serve them immediately. For a thicker sauce, you can remove the meatballs from the slow cooker and whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or as sliders. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use different types of ground meat:** You can substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground chicken.
* **Add vegetables to the meatball mixture:** Try adding finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the apple butter sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
* **Add fruit to the sauce:** Add diced apples or cranberries to the apple butter sauce for a more festive flavor.
* **Use homemade apple butter:** If you have homemade apple butter, it will add even more flavor to this recipe. Store-bought apple butter works great too!
* **Broil for extra browning:** After cooking in the slow cooker, you can transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and broil them for a few minutes to get them extra browned and crispy.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also make the apple butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Let the meatballs cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

These Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **With Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to these flavorful meatballs.
* **Over Noodles:** Toss the meatballs with your favorite type of noodles, such as egg noodles, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
* **As Sliders:** Serve the meatballs on mini buns with a dollop of coleslaw or a pickle.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for a delicious and easy appetizer.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the meatballs with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **In a Salad:** Add the meatballs to a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-300 per serving (depending on serving size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Overmixing the Meatball Mixture:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Using Too Much Breadcrumbs:** Using too much breadcrumbs can also make the meatballs dry and dense. Use the amount specified in the recipe.
* **Not Browning the Meatballs (Optional):** While optional, searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a deeper flavor and helps them hold their shape. Don’t skip this step if you have the time.
* **Overcooking the Meatballs:** Overcooking the meatballs can make them dry and rubbery. Cook them until they are just cooked through and no longer pink inside.
* **Not Thickening the Sauce (If Desired):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, be sure to thicken it with a cornstarch slurry at the end of the cooking time.

## Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal. The combination of chicken, apple butter, and spices creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy these amazing meatballs!

Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. Happy cooking!

## Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Chicken Apple Butter Meatballs**

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe combining chicken meatballs with a sweet and tangy apple butter sauce.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5 pounds ground chicken
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
* 1/4 cup finely diced onion
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Apple Butter Sauce:**

* 1. 5 cups apple butter
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
2. Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
3. (Optional) Sear the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar (if using), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Pour the apple butter sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the meatballs.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. (Optional) Thicken the sauce: Remove meatballs. Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
8. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or as sliders. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

**Notes:**

* See the article for tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
* Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your meal!