If you're looking for a quick and delicious way to impress your friends or family, these Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are the answer! The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken meatballs creates an irresistible dish that's bursting with flavor. With every bite, you'll relish the delicious contrast of sweetness and smokiness, making it a sure hit for any occasion. This recipe isn't just another set-it-and-forget-it treat; it's your new favorite option for a hassle-free dinner or party snack that your guests will be talking about long after the meal is over. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in your trusty crockpot, giving you more time to enjoy life!

## Why You'll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

This recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, and here are a few reasons why:

- **Quick and Easy**: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- **Perfect for Beginners**: Simple steps ensure that even novice cooks can nail this dish on their first try.
- **Ideal for the Whole Family**: The sweet and savory flavors make it appealing to both adults and kids alike.
- **Economical**: Made with affordable ingredients, this dish is an excellent choice for budget-conscious cooking.
- **Versatile**: Enjoy it as an appetizer, over rice, or toss it in some noodles for a complete meal!

## The Necessary Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to whip up these delicious meatballs:

- 2–2½ lbs chicken meatballs (frozen or homemade)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2–3 tbsp minced garlic (fresh)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼–½ tsp kosher salt (to taste)
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (optional for glaze)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and scallions for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)

### Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:

- **Chicken Meatballs**: You can use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience or make your own from scratch using ground chicken mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings.
  
- **Honey**: While honey adds great sweetness and richness, it can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option. Note that this will slightly change the flavor profile.
  
- **Soy Sauce**: Low-sodium soy sauce is utilized to control the saltiness, making it a healthier option. For a gluten-free recipe, tamari is an excellent alternative that retains the salty umami flavor.

## How to Prepare the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Step by Step

1. **Whisk Together the Sauce**  
   In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well integrated.  
   **Pro Tip:** This sauce forms the base of flavor; you can adjust the ingredients according to your taste preference—more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang!

2. **Add Chicken Meatballs to the Crockpot**  
   Place your frozen or homemade chicken meatballs in the crockpot.  
   **Pro Tip:** If using frozen meatballs, there’s no need to thaw them—they’ll cook perfectly right from frozen!

3. **Pour Sauce Over Meatballs**  
   Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs, then toss gently to coat every meatball.  
   **Pro Tip:** Make sure each meatball is coated well to absorb all that delicious flavor.

4. **Cover and Cook**  
   Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours until the meatballs are heated through.  
   **Pro Tip:** Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so if you have the time, opt for the low setting.

5. **(Optional) Make a Glaze**  
   If you prefer a thicker glaze, in a small saucepan, reduce ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) and simmer until thickened. Stir in the sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.  
   **Pro Tip:** This step is optional, but it elevates the dish with a glossy finish and intense flavor.

6. **Pour Glaze Over Meatballs**  
   Once thickened, pour the glaze back over the meatballs and toss gently to recoat them.  
   **Pro Tip:** Ensure each meatball gets a nice layer of glaze for the best presentation.

7. **Garnish**  
   Finish by garnishing the meatballs with sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions for an attractive touch.  
   **Pro Tip:** A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds both a visually appealing touch and a nice crunch!

8. **Serve Warm**  
   Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or over cooked rice or noodles for a filling meal.  
   **Pro Tip:** Drizzle extra sauce over rice or noodles to ensure no flavor goes uneaten!

## Serving Suggestions

This dish is not just versatile in ingredients but also in how you serve it. Here are some ideas:

### Perfect Pairings
- **Drinks**: A light Riesling or a fruity white wine pairs splendidly with the sweet and savory notes of the meatballs. If you're in the mood for a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling lemonade!
- **Side Dishes**: Serve with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.

### Occasions
- **Weeknight Dinner**: Perfect for a quick family dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- **Special Occasion Meal**: Impress your guests at your next gathering, serving these meatballs as a delightful appetizer or main course.

### Serving Tips
- **Presentation**: Use a beautiful serving dish or a large platter to display the meatballs with garnish for an appealing look.
- **Appetizer Platter**: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for a party-friendly style that makes them easy to grab.

## Storage and Reheating Tips

To maintain the quality of your delicious dish, follow these storage and reheating guidelines:

### Refrigerated
- **Duration**: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  
### Frozen
- **If Possible**: You can freeze cooked meatballs for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- **Defrosting**: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

### Reheating
- **Best Method**: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain heat, or place in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
  
## Guaranteed Success Tips

Here are some golden rules to avoid common pitfalls and ensure perfect results:

- **Don’t Overcook**: Meatballs can dry out if overcooked; remember, they’re already cooked from frozen.
- **Taste the Sauce**: Adjust the sauce before pouring over meatballs—this is your opportunity to balance flavors to your liking.
- **Use Fresh Garlic**: Fresh garlic makes a significant difference in flavor compared to jarred garlic. Use it for the best results!

## Recipe Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to consider:

- **For a Spicy Version**: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a delightful kick!
- **For a Vegan Version**: Replace the chicken meatballs with chickpea meatballs made from chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and spices.
- **For a Fruity Twist**: Add crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical flavor that complements the sweetness of honey.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: My meatballs came out too dry. What can I do?**  
A: If your meatballs are dry, they may have been overcooked. Make sure to keep an eye on cooking times and check for doneness at the lower end of the time range.

**Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?**  
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work well, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

**Q: If I don’t have apple cider vinegar, can I use something else?**  
A: Yes, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be substituted, but each will give a slightly different taste profile.

**Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?**  
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

**Q: How can I make these gluten-free?**  
A: Use gluten-free meatballs, tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free as well.

**Q: Can I use frozen meatballs directly?**  
A: Yes, cooking from frozen is perfectly fine and makes preparation easier!

**Q: How can I make this dish less sweet?**  
A: You can reduce the amount of honey or replace it with a less sweet alternative like agave syrup.

**Q: Is it possible to cook these meatballs in an Instant Pot?**  
A: Yes! You can cook these meatballs in an Instant Pot—just set it to manual mode for about 10 minutes with natural release for the best results.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and insights needed for perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs, get cooking! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

A quick and delicious dish featuring tender chicken meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

2-2.5 lbs chicken meatballs (frozen or homemade) You can use store-bought or homemade.

For the Sauce

0.5 cup honey Can substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari) Use tamari for gluten-free.
0.25 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar Can substitute with white or rice vinegar.
2-3 tbsp minced garlic (fresh) Use fresh for the best flavor.
1 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.25-0.5 tsp kosher salt To taste.
2 tsp cornstarch Optional for glaze.
2 tsp water Mix with cornstarch for glaze.
1 tsp toasted sesame oil Optional for extra flavor.
Sesame seeds and scallions for garnish
Cooked rice or noodles for serving Optional.

Instructions

Preparation

In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well integrated.
Place your chicken meatballs in the crockpot.
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs, then toss gently to coat.

Cooking

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours until the meatballs are heated through.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, in a small saucepan, reduce 0.5 cup of the cooking liquid. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened. Stir in sesame oil.
Pour glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to recoat.

Garnishing and Serving

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.
Serve warm as an appetizer or over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze cooked meatballs for longer storage.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

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