Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These slow cooker meatballs are Italian style but with a twist, ground chicken instead of beef. Serve over pasta of your choice or use the meatballs and sauce to make a sub. Leftover sauce freezes well.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 369 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Optional)
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)
• 1 pound lean ground chicken
• 5 cups crushed and strained tomatoes (such as Aurora®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the sauce by whisking tomatoes, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a slow cooker. Adjust heat to High.

Step 2

Combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, olive oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Use your hands to gently mix together. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place into the sauce. Use a spoon to cover the meatballs with sauce; do not stir.

Step 3

Place the lid on the slow cooker and drape a thick kitchen towel over it. Cook on High for 2 1/2 hours until meatballs are cooked through.