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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe Easy and Cozy Dinner Idea

slow cooker honey garlic chicken meatballs - featured image

Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Sesame Bok Choy is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with crisp sesame bok choy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 lb baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into approximately 18 medium-sized meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball. Place on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil to make the sauce.
  4. Pour half of the honey garlic sauce into the slow cooker. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, coating them gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. If the sauce is too thin near the end, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  7. About 15 minutes before the meatballs are done, heat toasted sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add halved baby bok choy, cut side down, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted and bright green. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to coat.
  8. Serve the honey garlic chicken meatballs and sauce over steamed rice or noodles, with sesame bok choy on the side. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense meatballs. Panko breadcrumbs keep meatballs light and tender. Optionally brown meatballs before slow cooking for added texture and flavor. Adjust sauce sweetness and saltiness after cooking to taste. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce. Quick sauté bok choy to keep it crisp and vibrant. Meatballs can be prepared a day ahead; add 30 minutes to cooking time if cooking from cold. Stir sauce halfway through cooking for even flavor distribution.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken meatballs, easy dinner, cozy meal, sesame bok choy, comfort food, gluten-free option