Introduction to Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
If you're a busy young professional, the allure of a slow cooker is hard to resist. Imagine coming home to the intoxicating aroma of slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs wafting through your kitchen after a long day at work. Not only does this appliance simplify meal preparation, but it also saves precious time, making it the unsung hero in many of our busy lives.
Why Slow Cooker Meals Are Perfect for Young Professionals
For those navigating the challenges of a demanding job and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, slow cooker meals strike the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Here’s why you’ll love them:
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Set It and Forget It: After some initial prep, you can throw your ingredients together and let the slow cooker do all the work. This means you can focus on completing projects or unwinding with a good book.
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Meal Prep Made Easy: With slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs, you can whip up a batch on the weekend, enjoy a hearty meal, and have leftovers for a quick lunch throughout the week.
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Healthy and Homemade: You control the ingredients, which means you can make healthier choices without sacrificing taste. Check out this guide on meal prep for additional tips that cater to your busy lifestyle.
So, roll up your sleeves and discover the rich, comforting flavors of these meatballs – because you deserve to enjoy delicious, stress-free meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Essential Ingredients for Meatballs
To create those tender slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs that everyone loves, you’ll need a few staple ingredients:
- 2 large eggs: These help bind the meatballs together.
- 2 pounds ground chicken: The star of the dish! Choose lean for a healthier option.
- 1 cup Italian-style panko bread crumbs: For that perfect crunch and texture.
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a delicious umami flavor.
- ⅓ cup grated onion: This ingredient melts away during cooking, infusing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Because every recipe is better with garlic!
- Herbs and seasonings: You’ll need dried parsley, dried basil, salt, and black pepper for that aromatic finishing touch.
Ingredients for Tomato Cream Sauce
For the luscious tomato cream sauce that brings everything together, gather these items:
- 28-ounce can Italian-style crushed tomatoes
- 24 to 26-ounce jar marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand for convenience.
- ½ cup water: This helps balance the sauce.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Yes, we love garlic!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbaceous goodness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat, adjust to taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Just to enhance the flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and dreamy.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: To finish off with a fresh, vibrant touch.
To explore more tips, check out this article on meatball-making techniques.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to crafting the ultimate slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs dish that will leave your friends and family wanting more!
Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Making slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs is a straightforward process, and the scent that fills your kitchen as they cook is worth every moment of preparation. Let's break it down into simple and enjoyable steps that even a novice cook can handle.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
The first step is to create that delicious meatball mixture. In a large bowl, crack two large eggs and whisk them lightly. Then, it's time to combine all the star ingredients that make these meatballs irresistible:
- 2 pounds of ground chicken
- 1 cup of Italian-style panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup of grated onion
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons each of dried parsley and dried basil
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Using your hands (don’t be shy), mix and knead the ingredients together until evenly combined. The warmth from your hands will blend everything seamlessly, creating a cohesive mix.
Form and Chill the Meatballs
Next, it’s time to shape your mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1½ inches in diameter; this size is perfect for even cooking. The mixture might feel sticky, so wet your hands to help roll them without hassle. Place your freshly formed meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet, cover them lightly with foil, and let them chill for at least one hour. This step isn’t just for convenience; it helps the meatballs maintain their shape during cooking.
Make the Tomato Cream Sauce
While the meatballs are chilling, let’s prepare the delicious tomato cream sauce that they’ll swim in. In your slow cooker, combine a 28-ounce can of Italian-style crushed tomatoes, a 24 to 26-ounce jar of marinara sauce, and ½ cup of water. Add in ¼ cup of finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Set your slow cooker to high and let it cook for one hour to meld those fantastic flavors.
Cook the Meatballs in the Sauce
After the hour is up, gently place your chilled meatballs into the sauce, reshaping them as needed. Make sure each meatball is covered in sauce by spooning it over any exposed parts. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Here’s a tip: avoid stirring the meatballs during cooking; this keeps them intact and beautiful!
Finish with Cream and Basil
Finally, as your meatballs approach perfection, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and a couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, allowing them to cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step not only finishes off the sauce with richness but also adds a vibrant touch of flavor. Serve over pasta or in a toasted hoagie roll, and you'll have a dish that not only looks impressive but also fills the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends or family. Who knows? You might inspire them to try making their own slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs!
Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Chicken Parmesan Meatball Subs
For a hearty twist, try creating Chicken Parmesan Meatball Subs. Simply broil sliced hoagie rolls until toasty, then fill them with 3-4 of your delicious slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs topped with sliced provolone cheese. Broil again for a couple of minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day. If you want more inspiration, check out this guide on making the perfect meatball sub.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Pasta
Feeling like pasta tonight? Combine your slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs with a hearty portion of pasta—any shape you love will do! Just cook your pasta as directed, then toss it into the slow cooker with the meatballs and that creamy marinara sauce. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for a flavor boost. It’s like a hug on a plate, making for a cozy weeknight meal. For a more balanced dish, consider adding some steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side.
Cooking Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
How to Keep Meatballs Tender
To ensure your slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs come out super tender, start by mixing the meatball ingredients gently—overworking can lead to a tough texture. Using grated onion helps, too! It melts into the mix, adding moisture. Remember to let the meatballs chill in the fridge for at least an hour before cooking; this helps them hold their shape.
Tips for Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, can elevate your sauce, making your meatballs truly irresistible. And don’t forget the importance of quality cheese: using fresh Parmesan can make a significant difference in taste!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Perfect Pairings with Bread or Pasta
For a cozy night in, serve your slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs over a bed of al dente pasta—penne or spaghetti works wonderfully. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top! Alternatively, pile the meatballs onto toasted hoagie rolls for a delicious meatball sub. Add a slice of provolone for that melty goodness that elevates the dish.
Creative Serving Styles for Family and Guests
When entertaining, consider presenting the slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs as a flex-friendly appetizer. Arrange meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and pair them with crusty bread and marinara for dipping. You could even set up a DIY meatball sub station where guests can customize their own sandwiches—an interactive twist that will spark fun conversations! If you’re looking to jazz up your plate, serve with a fresh arugula salad on the side; its peppery notes pair beautifully with the rich meatballs.
Time Breakdown for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Preparation Time
With just 20 minutes, you can whip up the mix for these delectable meatballs. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Cooking Time
Pop your slow cooker on LOW for 4 to 6 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully while cooking the chicken parmesan meatballs.
Total Time
From prep to plating, you'll need 7 hours and 25 minutes to enjoy these tender, flavorful bites. No rush, just deliciousness at its best!
Want more tips on slow cooking? Check out the National Slow Cooker Association for fantastic insights!
Nutritional Facts for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Calories per Serving
A serving of these slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs delivers approximately 307 calories. This makes them a filling yet manageable option for lunch or dinner, fitting comfortably within most balanced meal plans.
Protein Content
Each serving packs a hearty 25 grams of protein, providing a great source of nourishment. This is ideal for a post-workout meal or a satisfying dinner that keeps you full without weighing you down.
Other Nutritional Information
Alongside protein, these delightful meatballs boast:
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
- Cholesterol: 146mg
- Sodium: 987mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
For more insights into the health benefits of chicken and other lean meats, check out Healthline’s nutritional guide. Enjoy a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor!
FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, using ground turkey in place of the chicken will work beautifully. Just keep in mind that the flavor might differ slightly, but with the delicious tomato cream sauce, your slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs will still be packed with flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is simple! Allow the slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before enjoying again!
What sides pair well with this dish?
For a cozy meal, you can serve these meatballs with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh Italian salad. Want something lighter? Steamed veggies or a bright zucchini noodles can also complement the meatballs nicely. Whatever you choose, you'll create a satisfying and tasty meal!
Feel free to explore Cooking Light for more side dish inspiration!
Conclusion on Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
To wrap up, our slow cooker chicken parmesan meatballs have transformed a classic into an effortlessly delightful dish. With tender meatballs enveloped in a creamy tomato sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether served over pasta or nestled in a sub, they're guaranteed to impress!
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Foil-lined Baking Sheet
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian-style panko bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.33 cup grated onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Tomato Cream Sauce
- 28 ounce can Italian-style crushed tomatoes
- 24 to 26 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.25 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes to taste
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For Meatballs Subs or Pasta
- hoagie rolls sliced
- provolone cheese sliced
- dry pasta
- additional shredded Parmesan
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
- Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them lightly. Add the chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper, and mix to combine.
- Form the mixture into twenty-eight meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Sauce
- Add the tomatoes, marinara, water, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 1 hour on HIGH.
Cook the Meatballs and Finish the Sauce
- Place the refrigerated meatballs into the warm sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 4 to 6 hours on LOW, until cooked through.
- Once meatballs are cooked through, stir in the cream and basil. Cover and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
For Meatball Subs
- Preheat your oven to broil, and place opened hoagie rolls on a large baking sheet. Broil until toasted. Top with meatballs and cheese, and broil until cheese melts.
For Pasta
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and combine with meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker.
Alternate Stovetop Method
- Prepare meatballs and refrigerate. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add remaining sauce ingredients. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add chilled meatballs and simmer for 45 minutes or until cooked through. Stir in cream and basil.
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