Sweet And Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Ever wonder how to take your taste buds on an epic journey without leaving your kitchen? Let me introduce you to the magical fusion of flavors that my slow-cooker sweet and sour chicken meatballs deliver every single time! 🌟

Creating dishes that combine flavors beautifully is something I love to do, and this Sweet and Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs recipe does just that. It’s a delightful mix of ground chicken and vibrant bell peppers—protein and vegetables that we love to eat.

The sauce, enriched with pineapple chunks, imparts a tangy zing that I can’t get enough of. Soy sauce and ginger add depth that makes this dish something the whole family loves.

Sweet And Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein source, lower in fat, versatile.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds sweetness, rich in vitamin C, tropical flavor.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: Balances flavors with sweetness and tang, key to dish.
• Green and Red Bell Peppers: Add crunch and color, vitamin-rich, low in calories.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with depth, boosts immune system, aromatic.
• Ginger: Mild spice, aids digestion, anti-inflammatory properties.

Sweet And Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

How to Make this Sweet And Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Recipe

1. In a combining basin, mix the chicken that is in the form of a fine grind, the crumbs that are the result of bread being processed, a whole egg, clove of garlic minced, the onion greens in their minced form, a sauce made of soy, a substance made from ground ginger, and a substance that is salt and black pepper to produce a mixture that is well blended.

2. Make small meatballs from the mixture, about 1 inch in diameter, and put them to the side.

3. Put the green and red bell pepper along with the pineapple chunks into the slow cooker.

4. In the slow cooker, add the sweet and sour sauce, stirring to coat the bell peppers and pineapple.

5. Lightly position the chicken meatballs atop the slow-cooker mixture.

6. Put a lid on the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours, or to high for 2 to 3 hours. Either way, the time should be enough for the meatballs to be thoroughly cooked.

7. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Whisk until smooth and the mixture thickens slightly; it should resemble a thin paste, or slurry.

8. Roughly 30 minutes prior to serving, mix the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, and watch the sauce transform into a thickened masterpiece.

9. Keep cooking on high for the last 30 minutes, stirring every so often, and watching that the sauce thickens to your liking.

10. Place the sweet and sour chicken meatballs atop a bed of rice or noodles. If desired, you can garnish the dish with additional green onions and/or cilantro.

Sweet And Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk
6. Slow cooker
7. Small bowl
8. Spoon for stirring
9. Plate or tray for setting aside meatballs
10. Serving spoon

FAQ

• Q: Can I use another type of ground meat instead of chicken?A: Yes, ground turkey or even ground pork can be used as substitutes, although the flavor profile may alter slightly.
• Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking?A: Be certain to blend the components thoroughly and create small, dense meatballs. A little chill time can help them keep it together.
• Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?A: You can, in fact, ready the meatballs and shape them before cooking. Then refrigerate the formed meatballs before cooking them for up to 24 hours.
• Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?A: Yes, the cooked meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, use a slow cooker or warm them on the stovetop in fresh sauce.
• Q: What can I serve with these sweet and sour meatballs?A: Steamed rice or noodles are excellent accompaniments to these meatballs. Serve them, too, with a neat little pile of stir-fried vegetables.
• Q: Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring that your soy sauce is gluten-free.

Sweet And Sour Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor in this recipe that calls for ground chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Panko provides the crunch, but you can also use finely crushed crackers for a different texture.
Green onions can be replaced with regular onions or shallots. These should be chopped finely before use to replicate the texture and taste of the green parts of the onion, which have a milder flavor.
Pineapple chunks: For a tropical twist, substitute with canned mandarins or fresh mango.
Sweet and sour sauce: Instead of this sauce, use homemade hoisin sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar and some sugar.

Pro Tips

1. Sear the Meatballs First For added flavor and texture, lightly sear the chicken meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This will give them a delicious crust and help them hold together better during the slow cooking process.

2. Use Fresh Pineapple If possible, use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned. This will add a burst of freshness and an elevated taste to your dish.

3. Customize the Sauce Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sweet and sour sauce to your liking. You can add a bit of honey for more sweetness or a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.

4. Consider Adding Aromatics Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a bay leaf or a star anise to the slow cooker. Remove before serving to impart a subtle but enticing aroma.

5. Opt for Panko Breadcrumbs For a slightly crunchier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They help to keep the meatballs light and airy.