Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! Imagine everything you adore about classic chicken parmesan—juicy, herby chicken, tangy marinara, golden cheese—all transformed into tender, bite-size meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. These beauties simmer gently in your slow cooker, soaking up flavor while you get on with your day. Whether you’re meal prepping, planning a cozy family dinner, or looking for a unique party appetizer, Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs bring together the best of comfort food and easy living in one fabulous dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is refreshingly simple, but each item brings major flavor! You’ll probably have most of them on hand already, and together, they create those ultra-moist, savory, cheesy meatballs that will make this recipe a new favorite in your kitchen.

• Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce—this becomes the rich, tomatoey bath for all that chicken and cheese.
• Large eggs: These help bind the meatballs and keep everything moist and tender (no falling-apart meatballs here!).
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs soak up juices and give the meatballs a satisfying, delicate texture.
• Yellow onion, minced: Fresh onion adds a gentle sweetness and a touch of hidden crunch.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens up the meatballs; don’t skip it for that fresh, herby pop!
• Garlic, minced: The secret weapon—garlic brings those irresistible Italian vibes to the party.
• Salt: Balances all the flavors and ensures every bite is just right.
• Oregano: Classic pizza-parmesan flavor in every bite; dries herbs work wonderfully.
• Black pepper: A touch of bite and warmth.
• Ground chicken: Lean but super juicy when cooked slow and low; perfect for soaking up flavors.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey perfection over the top, just like the best chicken parm.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Step 1: Create a Saucy Base

Start by spreading half of your marinara sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker. This cozy “bed” does double duty: it prevents sticking and allows the meatballs to soak up delicious tomato flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Mix Up That Flavorful Filling

In a large bowl, whisk your eggs until they’re just blended, then stir in breadcrumbs, minced onion, parsley, garlic, salt, oregano and black pepper. This mixture builds the foundation of flavor for your meatballs, plus keeps them beautifully moist. Let it sit a moment to let the breadcrumbs soak up some egg for extra tenderness.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Combine

Add in your ground chicken and use your hands (it’s the best tool here!) to gently combine everything. Try not to over-mix—just bring it together until everything’s incorporated. This keeps the meatballs ultra-tender instead of dense.

Step 4: Shape and Set in the Slow Cooker

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about the size of a ping pong ball) and nestle them right into the sauce you already poured into the slow cooker. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mix, making sure the meatballs sit snug but not overcrowded.

Step 5: Sauce & Slow Cook

Pour the rest of your marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for about 3 hours. The low-and-slow method yields the juiciest, most flavorful Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs.

Step 6: Add That Dreamy Cheese!

About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle all that mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, cover, and let it melt into a golden, gooey blanket. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is irresistibly melty and bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish by scattering extra fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dish up an Italian-inspired dinner that’ll make everyone swoon!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley makes these meatballs look (and taste!) restaurant-worthy. For extra wow, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh basil leaves just before serving—the pop of green and the extra cheese make every plate irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with a super-simple green salad, buttery garlic bread, or classic pasta for a hearty Italian meal. They’re delightful over creamy polenta too, or even tucked into a toasted sub roll for the ultimate cheesy chicken meatball sandwich!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, pile the meatballs onto a serving platter with tiny skewers for a crowd-friendly appetizer. For weeknight fun, try serving them family-style straight from the slow cooker—everyone can dig in and scoop up their favorites. Or, stuff them into mini slider buns for game day bites that will disappear faster than you can say “seconds!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs keep beautifully for up to three days in the fridge. Just pop them into an airtight container, making sure there’s a little sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.

Freezing

Want to stock your freezer? Cool meatballs completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container (separate layers with parchment if stacking). They’ll keep for up to three months, making busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining a total breeze.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra marinara if they seem dry. To restore that signature cheesy topping, add a bit more mozzarella before reheating in the oven until bubbling—just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with ground turkey or beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey and lean beef both work well. Just know that ground chicken keeps things especially tender and light, but the recipe is very forgiving to substitutions.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?

No browning needed! Since you’re cooking these meatballs in sauce, they stay moist and flavorful without extra prep. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded mozzarella is super convenient for this recipe. If you have a block of mozzarella to shred yourself, that melts even silkier, but both are delicious!

What’s the best way to keep meatballs from sticking together in the slow cooker?

Make sure your meatballs are shaped evenly and arranged with a little space in between when you first put them in the sauce. As they cook, they’ll stay separate and easy to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it contains regular breadcrumbs, but you can swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your marinara sauce for gluten-free certification to make this dish celiac-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big flavor with minimal fuss, Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are destined to win your heart. Give them a try and enjoy all that savory, saucy, cheesy goodness—the kind of meal that makes everyone come back for seconds. You’ll be so glad you made them!

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