If you’re searching for a simple, crowd-pleasing BBQ recipe, these Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatballs are a perfect pick. Use your favorite barbecue sauce and let the slow cooker do the work for an easy weeknight dinner or a tasty party appetizer.
I love meatballs and keep finding new ways to prepare them. These honey BBQ meatballs are a lighter twist because they use ground chicken. Ground chicken makes the meatballs tender and less heavy while still delivering great flavor when paired with a sweet-and-smoky sauce. A simple seasoning blend and a few pantry staples are all you need to put this dish together.
This recipe uses just nine ingredients and minimal hands-on time. Start by soaking oats in milk to add moisture and binding without the heaviness of breadcrumbs. Mix the soaked oats with ground chicken, eggs, and a BBQ seasoning, shape into golf-ball-sized meatballs, brown quickly in a hot skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Whisk together barbecue sauce, honey and a fruit preserve for a glossy, flavorful sauce to coat the meatballs while they simmer.
These meatballs are versatile. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles with a side of green vegetables for a comforting meal, or offer them with toothpicks as an appetizer at gatherings. They hold up well in a warm slow cooker and make excellent leftovers.
Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatballs
Author: Jennifer Draper
Simple, flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken and a honey BBQ glaze—perfect for family dinners or party platters.
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 3–8 hrs (3–4 hrs on High, 6–8 hrs on Low) | Total time: 6 hrs 15 mins (when cooked on low) | Servings: 8 | Calories: 329 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oats
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or other neutral oil for browning)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup blackberry preserves (or another fruit preserve like apricot)
Instructions
- Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and oats. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes until the oats soften and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the soaked oats, eggs, and BBQ seasoning to the ground chicken. Use your hands to gently mix until evenly combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into small golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
- Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or a multi-cooker set to medium-high. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2–4 minutes per side until they develop a light crust. Browning adds flavor but avoid cooking them through—just a quick sear.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and blackberry preserves until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, turning them gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or on Low for 6–8 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbling and thickened.
- Before serving, stir gently to coat the meatballs again in the glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
Serve these meatballs over steamed rice, sticky rice, or buttered noodles along with sautéed or steamed vegetables. For a party, transfer to a warmed serving dish and provide toothpicks for easy picking. If you prefer a spicier version, stir in sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much, or reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals. These meatballs also freeze well—place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 329 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sugar: 23 g
Note: This recipe was originally shared by Slow Cooker Gourmet. If you try it, snap a photo and share it on social media with the tag #slowcookergourmet.
Craving more meatball recipes? Try honey-glazed pork meatballs or a one-pot spaghetti and meatballs for other slow-cooker options.
