Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken: Amazing 2 Hour Recipe

Slow cooker firecracker chicken has become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with this incredible sweet and spicy aroma that had my family practically at the table before it was even ready. It’s truly an easy slow cooker firecracker chicken that impresses every single time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make slow cooker firecracker chicken that’s both flavorful and incredibly simple, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

• The taste is an amazing balance of sweet and spicy that keeps you coming back for more.
• It’s incredibly quick to prep, making it a lifesaver on busy days.
• You get a delicious meal with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker.
• The firecracker chicken meatballs slow cooker preparation is healthier than many alternatives.
• It’s a budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Kids and adults alike adore this flavorful dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
• The ease of this firecracker chicken meatballs slow cooker method means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• It’s a versatile dish that tastes fantastic served over rice or as an appetizer.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

Gathering your firecracker chicken slow cooker ingredients is the first step to this amazing meal. You’ll need:

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken – I find ground chicken breast works well for a leaner option.
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs and give them a lovely texture.
• 2 large eggs – Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion – Finely diced for even distribution.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds so much flavor!
• 4 scallions, chopped (divided) – We’ll use some in the meatballs and save some for garnish.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
• 1.5 cups buffalo wing sauce – This is the base for our signature firecracker sauce.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – For that perfect sweet and spicy balance.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds depth and umami.
• 1/4 cup water – To thin the sauce slightly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

Follow these simple firecracker chicken slow cooker instructions to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor:

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the 1.5 pounds ground chicken, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons of the chopped scallions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Step 2: Use a cookie scoop to portion the meatball mixture evenly, aiming for about 1.5-inch balls. Roll them gently between your hands until smooth. This helps them cook evenly and look nice.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides until they have a beautiful golden color. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture.
4. Step 4: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, and the remaining scallions. This creates that signature sweet and spicy firecracker sauce.
6. Step 6: Pour this delicious sauce evenly over the browned meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re all nicely coated.
7. Step 7: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 2 hours. The meatballs will become incredibly tender and soak up all that amazing sauce.
8. Step 8: Once done, garnish with extra chopped scallions or some fresh parsley if you like. These firecracker chicken slow cooker instructions guarantee a fantastic meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

To elevate your slow cooker firecracker chicken experience, try these simple tricks:

• Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it creates a better texture and deeper flavor for your slow cooker sweet and spicy chicken.
• For an even quicker prep, use pre-made gluten-free meatballs and toss them directly into the sauce.
• Adjust the heat by using a spicier buffalo sauce or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled; the sauce needs room to bubble and thicken around the meatballs.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker firecracker chicken?

The secret lies in browning the meatballs before they go into the slow cooker. This step locks in moisture and adds a savory depth, ensuring your slow cooker sweet and spicy chicken has the best possible texture and flavor. For more tips on cooking techniques, check out this guide on recipe development.

Can I make slow cooker firecracker chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and the sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, combine them in the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe, adding an extra 30 minutes to the cook time if the mixture is cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker firecracker chicken?

A common pitfall is overmixing the meatball ingredients, which can lead to tough meatballs. Mix gently until just combined. Another mistake is not browning the meatballs first; this step is crucial for flavor and texture in your slow cooker chicken dinner firecracker. Learn more about proper dinner preparation.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

This slow cooker chicken dinner firecracker is incredibly versatile! I love serving it over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all that amazing sweet and spicy sauce. Another fantastic option is to serve it as an appetizer at parties, using toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness and heat. You can also toss them with your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. If you enjoy spicy flavors, you might also like this fiery chicken ramen recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

When enjoying this delicious slow cooker firecracker chicken, here’s what you can expect per serving (which is about 3-4 meatballs):

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 5-8g
• Saturated Fat: 1-2g
• Protein: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 0-1g
• Sugar: 10-15g
• Sodium: 300-400mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the brand of buffalo wing sauce. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources on dietary planning.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

Properly storing and reheating your slow cooker firecracker chicken ensures it stays delicious. Once cooked, let the meatballs and sauce cool for about 30 minutes before transferring them to airtight containers. For refrigerating, aim to store them within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you’re thinking about longer-term storage, this recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. This makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal. For reheating, you can gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them in short bursts until heated through. Both methods work great for this tasty crock pot spicy chicken recipe. You might also enjoy our Korean BBQ meatballs recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

What is firecracker chicken slow cooker?

A firecracker chicken slow cooker dish typically refers to chicken, often meatballs, simmered in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce, usually with a kick similar to buffalo sauce mixed with sweet elements like brown sugar. It’s a popular, flavorful way to prepare chicken in a slow cooker that’s both easy and delicious.

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you prefer chicken breast, cut about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Brown the cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce. The cooking time might be slightly shorter, so check for tenderness after about 1.5 hours on low. For other chicken preparations, see our honey lime chicken crockpot recipe.

How spicy is this slow cooker firecracker chicken?

The spice level in this slow cooker firecracker chicken is generally moderate, coming from the buffalo wing sauce. However, it’s easily adjustable! For a milder flavor, use a less spicy wing sauce or reduce the amount of it. To make it even hotter, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or opt for a hotter buffalo sauce. I find it’s the perfect balance of sweet and heat.

What are some other serving suggestions for slow cooker chicken with firecracker sauce?

Beyond rice, this slow cooker chicken with firecracker sauce is fantastic served in slider buns for a sweet and spicy sandwich, or over creamy mashed potatoes. It also makes a wonderful appetizer when served with toothpicks, or tossed with tortellini for a fun pasta dish. The versatility is part of what makes this recipe so great! Consider trying our spicy honey lime chicken recipe for another flavorful option.

Variations of Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic slow cooker firecracker chicken, there are tons of fun ways to switch it up! For a healthier twist, try making a healthy slow cooker firecracker chicken by swapping ground chicken for lean turkey or even chicken breast cut into chunks. If you’re looking for a different cooking method, this spicy slow cooker chicken recipe can also be adapted for the oven; just bake the meatballs in the sauce at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through, about 25-30 minutes. You could also experiment with flavor by adding a splash of sriracha or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. For those craving a bit more heat, a bit of extra chili powder or a spicier wing sauce will create an even more intense kick, making it a true crock pot spicy chicken recipe. Explore more sauces and marinades for inspiration.

Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken: Amazing 2 Hour Recipe

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 meatballs 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This slow cooker firecracker chicken recipe features tender homemade meatballs simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for meals or parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 scallions, chopped (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands.
2. Use a cookie scoop to portion the meatballs and roll them between your hands until smooth.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden.
4. Transfer the browned meatballs to your slow cooker.
5. In a separate bowl, stir together buffalo wing sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and the remaining scallions.
6. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours.
8. Garnish with extra scallions or fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes or use a spicier wing sauce for extra heat.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 meatballs
• Calories: 150-200
• Sugar: 10-15g
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Fat: 5-8g
• Saturated Fat: 1-2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4-6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 0-1g
• Protein: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 50-70mg

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