Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Meatballs

Name: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-471191H29M44S
Total time: 44 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs. ground chicken; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 ½ Tbsp. dried oregano leaves; 1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves; 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 tsp. kosher or sea salt; ½ tsp. ground black pepper; ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 2 (24 oz.) jars tomato basil marinara; 3 cups baby spinach leaves or chopped kale; Handful of fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

By Julie Andrews |

Tis the season for slow cooker recipes! I have always been a big fan of tossing some fresh and wholesome ingredients in the crock pot and letting it go for a few hours for a super simple meal. I especially love when I get home and my house smells so good and the food tastes delicious without much effort.

Who else is with me?!

So, I plan to share slow cooker recipes or slow cooker versions of recipes from now until spring so we all have endless options for easy meals that taste great. Today’s special: Italian Chicken Meatballs that are swimming in tomato sauce, greens and melty cheese.

The meatballs take just a few minutes to mix and roll and they have chicken (you could also use a mix of turkey, beef and/or pork), garlic, onion, Italian herbs, Dijon (for flavor and moisture) and Parmesan. The marinara can be store-bought, or you can make your own with olive oil, onion, garlic, Italian herbs and crushed tomatoes. And I stir in leafy greens like spinach or kale for a boost of nourishment. Plus, there’s cheese.

These meatballs also make the perfect dish-to-pass for any work or family potlucks, so add them to the list for the next gathering!