Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the fiery flavors of Nashville straight to your kitchen! Our Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs Crockpot recipe is the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine tender meatballs infused with a kick of cayenne pepper and a creamy buttermilk sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, these meatballs will have everyone coming back for seconds. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how easy it is to create a Southern classic that will leave your guests raving!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 16-20 meatballs depending on desired size.
- Prepare a skillet with a light coating of cooking spray or oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes to create a golden exterior.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the crockpot. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, remaining cayenne pepper, and paprika to create a spicy coating mixture.
- Pour the spicy buttermilk mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once done, carefully remove meatballs and serve hot. Optional: Drizzle additional hot sauce or serve with pickles and white bread for traditional Nashville-style presentation.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh ground chicken and quality spices. Fresh ingredients will elevate the taste of your meatballs significantly.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture. Make sure to get a nice golden crust on each side!
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. You can always add more hot sauce when serving for those who like it extra spicy.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even more flavorful and juicy.
- Serve with Classic Sides: For an authentic Nashville experience, serve your meatballs with pickles and white bread. The coolness of the pickles complements the heat perfectly!
- Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat in the crockpot before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 208kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
