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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes » Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

    Published: Oct 24, 2019 · Modified: Aug 6, 2021 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

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    Why go to the hassle and trouble of making classic chicken parmesan when you can make this kid friendly version instead! Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are even better than the real thing.

    chicken meatballs in bowl of spaghetti topped with marinara and cheese

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is a flexible family recipe that can easily be adjusted and customized.

    Using ground chicken to make my easy meatball recipe and utilizing your favorite high quality jarred sauce, you can assemble this recipe in minutes and have a delicious meal to come home to at the end of the day.

    measuring cup with soaked breadcrumbs

    The key to making delicious meatballs in your slow cooker lies in this one trick. Using panko breadcrumbs soaked in milk as your filler, your meatballs will be juicy and delicious with no overwhelming bread flavor or texture.

    This step only takes 5 minutes and I recommend it in all my meatball recipes in place of oatmeal or other fillers.

    glass bowl with chicken meatball mixture

    Other important tips for making meatballs:

    • Once you add all of the ingredients, don't over-mix.
    • Gently combine until everything is evenly distributed and stop there so that your meatballs will be tender.
    • Use an ice cream scooper or other similar sized utensil to ensure your meatballs are evenly sized sot that they will cook evenly.
    • keep in mind that these meatballs will seem very soft and like they might fall apart easily when forming, but this is what will yield deliciously juicy cooked meatballs.

    scooping out meatballs from bowl adding to slow cooker

    Why I love making meatballs in the slow cooker:

    • they stay juicy all the way through
    • they are very forgiving, it's really hard to over-cook them
    • you can make them ahead and let them cook all day for a no stress dinner

    slow cooker full of chicken meatballs ready to cook

    Can I make ahead or freeze this recipe?

    Yes! I recommend making the meatballs ahead of time and freezing them on a tray of parchment paper for a couple of hours. Once they are frozen, you can transfer to a freezer bag and they won't stick together.

    To cook, you will need to thaw and continue the recipe from there. No need to freeze with the sauce since you can add it from the jar when cooking.

    blue and white mini casserole slow cooker

    What slow cooker do I use to make this recipe?

    In this case it won't matter too much. I used a 2.5 quart casserole slow cooker, which worked perfectly, but any regular slow cooker will work.

    If you want to double the recipe, you will need a 5 quart or larger slow cooker.

    slow cooker with chicken parmesan meatballs topped with melted cheese

    More common questions about this recipe:

    What if I can find ground chicken?

    Ground chicken is available at most markets, but if you can't find it, feel free to sub ground beef or turkey

    Which pasta sauce is best? 

    It's best to use one that does not have added meat or cheese. I suggest a tomato basil sauce for best results. Here is one of my favorites!

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes! This recipe can be easily doubled to feed up to 8 people by exactly doubling all ingredients. Be sure to use a 5 quart slow cooker or larger.

    Can I make half a recipe?

    If cooking for 2 people, simply freeze half of the meatballs and cook the other half. That way you'll have another meal later with no extra effort!

    chicken parmesan meatballs with marinara and pasta in a bowl

    chicken meatballs in bowl of spaghetti topped with marinara and cheese

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

    Jennifer Draper
    Why go to the hassle and trouble of making classic chicken parmesan when you can make this kid friendly version instead! Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are even better than the real thing.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 6 hrs 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 367.76 kcal

    Equipment

    • 2.5 quart casserole slow cooker
    • ice cream scooper

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 pound ground chicken
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
    • 24 oz tomato basil pasta sauce
    • 2 oz Fresh mozzarella
    • ¼ cup shredded parmesan

    Instructions
     

    • Mix panko with milk and let set 5 minutes
    • Mix soaked panko and remaining ingredients except pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan in bowl just until evenly mixed
    • Form meat into golf ball-sized rounds and place in single layer in slow cooker (about 8 meatballs)
    • Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours
    • During the last 60 minutes pour in pasta sauce and top each meatball with a little slice of cheese and shredded parmesan and heat on high until melted and heated through

    Notes

    • don't over-mix the meat or you will end up with tough meatballs
    • feel free to swap ground beef or turkey if you can't find chicken
    • recipe can be doubled just be sure to use a 5 quart or larger slow cooker
    • meatballs can be made ahead and frozen prior to cooking.  Freeze in single layer on cookie sheet then transfer to bag for storage up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 367.76kcalCarbohydrates: 14.57gProtein: 34.88gFat: 19.58gSaturated Fat: 8.34gCholesterol: 167.32mgSodium: 1676.25mgPotassium: 1217.19mgFiber: 2.86gSugar: 8.61gVitamin A: 1068.97IUVitamin C: 12.14mgCalcium: 339.16mgIron: 3.27mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
    Important nutritional disclaimer
    « Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Donna says

      June 15, 2015 at 5:58 am

      Have you tried stuffing the meatball with a piece of mozzarella. I was curious if it would melt out during cooking.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 15, 2015 at 6:31 am

        I haven't but I know people do sometimes. I might just have to try it 🙂

        Reply
    2. Erin says

      October 30, 2014 at 10:53 am

      Have you ever doubled this recipe? We're there any problems, if so??

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 30, 2014 at 11:56 am

        I have not but I think as long as you have a large enough slow cooker it should be just fine! Probably 6 quart or larger?

        Reply
    3. Jessica says

      April 24, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Jennifer!

      These look amazing! I am planning on making them tomorrow. How many meatballs does this recipe make?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        April 24, 2014 at 12:51 pm

        Thanks! If you make them about golf ball sized then you should get around 8 (give or take) from a pound of chicken.

        Reply
    4. C L says

      March 18, 2014 at 9:55 am

      Jennifer,

      I'm not sure if your comment was rhetorical about the dryness of foods when cooked in an oven vs. Crock-pot but typically, it is because your oven cooks via dry heat (as food steams, a lot of the moisture evaporates) and your Crock-pot typically steams foods as a result of reduced loss of moisture - it's cooking in a smaller, lower heat environment and as steam condensates on the lid, it drops back onto the food.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 18, 2014 at 10:07 am

        Makes sense!! Thanks!

        Reply
        • Cyndi says

          September 16, 2015 at 2:30 pm

          😉 You are very welcome!

          Reply
    5. Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says

      February 12, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      I'm so glad you linked these up to the Thursday S.T.Y.L.E. Link Party! I've got these on my list of dinner ideas and I am going to be making it soon! We hope that you will stop by again tomorrow night!

      Reply
    6. Angela (Life in Velvet) says

      February 09, 2014 at 11:55 am

      YUM!! I'm dying to make these! Awesome recipe. I just pinned 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up at Thursday STYLE!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 09, 2014 at 12:41 pm

        Thanks!! One of our family favorites! And..thanks for hosting 🙂

        Reply
    7. Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says

      February 06, 2014 at 10:36 pm

      These look delicious! My family loves meatballs. These are such a great alternative to the typical meatball and making them in the crock pot is definitely something I can appreciate. I'll be pinning this recipe. I'd love for you to link this up to the Thursday S.T.Y.L.E. Link Party I cohost! http://addicted2diy.com/2014/02/06/thursday-s-t-y-l-e-link-party-6/

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 07, 2014 at 7:50 am

        Thanks!! I'm all linked up 🙂

        Reply
    8. Made From Pinterest says

      February 06, 2014 at 10:32 pm

      Great idea for a flavor pairing! These look delish.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 07, 2014 at 7:00 am

        Thanks 🙂

        Reply
    9. Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe says

      February 06, 2014 at 1:27 pm

      It would never have occurred to me to make meatballs in a crock pot! Makes sense really since I sometimes make them and drop them right into a vat o' sauce to cook. That's how I grew up doing it, but some in my crew prefer their meatballs crusty on the outside, so I've started either baking them or pan-frying them to get that crusty outside, then adding them to the sauce to finish cooking through. I've never used oatmeal either, but I can't wait to try that! As for them drying out when baking, I think it's just a matter of ingredients. I always add a little tomato paste or something for moisture. For chicken, a little mayo would be a good way to go - that's great for moist chicken burgers! I've got a spaghetti squash sitting on the counter waiting to be used. Since you mentioned that, I might have to make this in the next day or two. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 06, 2014 at 3:02 pm

        Thanks!! The mayo in the chicken meatballs sounds really good! MMMMM...spaghetti squash. Let me know how it turns out 🙂

        Reply
    10. Jessica says

      January 16, 2014 at 1:55 am

      Jennifer,

      These look great and I'm planning to try them this week. Can you tell me whether you use all white meat ground chicken or a mixture of white and dark?

      I'm excited to try these; thanks so much for taking the time to share! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 16, 2014 at 7:05 am

        I'm pretty sure what I used was a mixture of white and dark but all white meat would work just as well! Since they are in the crock they just don't dry out like they would in the oven. I hope you like them!! Let me know how they turn out!

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I love creating fresh recipes that are quick and simple to make so that I can help you get dinner on the table without the fuss!

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes

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    As seen on...

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