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You are here: Home / Food / Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs in Marinara

by Stacy  32 Comments

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs in Marinara

When I was pregnant with Andy, I was sick for about two months. Everything made me want to puke so I was plastered to the couch for most of the day. Barry either cooked or brought dinner home. It was not a fun two months for the type of person that really enjoys being in her kitchen – it’s my happy place…give me a list and give me my kitchen.

But then I started to feel better, so I immediately thought, “watch out, smoke detector kitchen, here I come!” I got it into my mind that I was going to make this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti from Pioneer Woman. And I’m not gonna lie – even now I look at it and shudder. Well, Miss Smarty Pants thought that she would use ground chicken instead of the chopped chicken it called for in the recipe.

Bad move, y’all. Bad move. By the time I was done making this dish, the smell of the cooking ground chicken, the creamy sauce, and the chopped mushrooms had pushed me to the limit. Then I thought I would try to eat it, because apparently I had lost my ever-loving mind. Bad move, y’all…BAAAAADDDD move. For about 12 months after that, I could STILL get sick just thinking about that meal. And even right now I’m about to make myself yak. Moving on!

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs

After all that mess, I just recently have been able to eat ground chicken again. My mom made some awesome meatballs with it, and I realized I could eat that – I’m still not eager to try another creamy dish with it. *Shudder* Ground turkey and I are still on the rocks…even though I didn’t use ground turkey for that experiment – it’s still the same color. Mind association, you know.

Moving on! I made these chicken meatballs in the crock with some yummy marinara sauce…and they hit the spot because I have a deep-seated love of meatballs of all shapes, sizes, and meats. Cooking them in the crock just combines two of my loves.

For this, I used dehydrated onion and garlic. I always keep this on hand…especially the garlic. I can’t keep fresh garlic around here – for some reason, I always forget it and then it ends up getting moldy in the fridge. So, this dehydrated garlic is always saving my behind.

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs

I also used these tomatoes because I like them. Crushed Tomatoes with Basil. Do you have to use this exact brand? No. I’m not brand loyal for the most part. SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!! Why is my can all dirty, you ask? Well, that would be because one day something exploded in my canning room. We’ll just leave it at that. Ahem.

If you chose to use plain crushed tomatoes, just add some extra basil to your recipe. But don’t leave it out…I just looooooooooooooooooooooooooove the basil in this dish.

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs

So, here’s the thing. Meatballs made with MEAT are easy to roll. Meatballs made with poultry are NOT. I kinda just make “plops” instead of “meatballs.” But I couldn’t call the dish Chicken Plops in Marinara – that wouldn’t get pinned…and chicken plops sounds like a way to say chicken poop. Does my mind work like anyone else’s?

Anyway, just get them into the crock. Roll or plop. Or get lazy and pat it down in there like a meatloaf…I ain’t hatin’.

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs

Your house is gonna smell like downtown Italy all day. I just realized that Italy is a country and not a city, so it doesn’t really have a downtown…but I like how it sounds, so I’m gonna leave it.

Your meatballs might stick together a little bit, but they’ll break apart as you spoon them out. Or as you stand with a spoon and eat them straight from the crock. I ain’t hatin’.

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs

I like this served over Zoodles (zucchini) or Squoodles (squash). Try adding “oodles” to the end of your food…it’s fun. I’m on a vegetable noodle kick, so I’m trying to noodelize everything. I’m trying to waffelize everything too. Try adding “ize” to the end of all your words. It’s fun. Oh my gosh. SQUOODLEIZE!!!!

Squoodleize in Downtown Italy!!!!!!!

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs

Crock Pot Chicken Meatballs in Marinara

  • 1 pound lean ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 egg white (or 3 tablespoons)
  • ¼ cup oats
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes with basil (or plain tomatoes with additional basil added)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  1. Combine chicken, minced garlic and onion, salt, basil, egg white, oats, and Parmesan in a bowl. Mix together – using hands is easiest.
  2. Form into 12 meatballs and put into bottom of slow cooker (I use my 4 quart for 1 pound meat).
  3. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
  4. Pour sauce over meatballs.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
  6. Serve as-is or with noodles/zoodles.

Yield: 4 servings

 

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About Stacy

Stacy is a Homemaking and Business Mom Mentor, the author of two cookbooks, creator of multiple e-courses, seasoned life coach, and comedian extraordinaire. Her first priority is her husband and her children - family first. She presses on each day because her calling is to teach, train, and mentor other ladies to have their dreams. She believes if it’s not easy, you won’t do it – because she’s lived it. She’ll bring YOU the awesome so that you can get your home back into control and watch your business soar. For tips and easy strategies, you can follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    June 20, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    Try adding italian bread crumbs about 1/4 cup they stay and mold better. Or if you are trying healthier go with whole wheat panko brad crumbs. You cant tell they are in there!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      June 25, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      These actually hold together so well I didn’t need the extra breading…although it is very tasty. 🙂

      Reply
  2. DEE says

    February 23, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    If you keep your hands wet while rolling chicken chop meat into meatballs they come out great

    Reply
  3. Michael Ann Rentz says

    October 14, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    Made this tonight, and it rocked! I used ground turkey instead of chicken and cooked it for 3.5 hours on high instead of 6 on low. My plops held together very well! (Ewwwwww!) This will be a frequent flyer at our house.

    Reply
  4. Sherri@MadeFromPinterest says

    October 12, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Too fun. Now I want to see if there is a recipe of mine I can plopize. I love meatballs. Our weekly Super Saturday Link Party is live. We would love to have you join us with any of your great ideas. It would make us so happy to have you on board. http://www.madefrompinterest.net/2013/10/super-saturday-link-party-14/

    Reply
  5. Miz Helen says

    October 11, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Your Chicken Meatballs, look delicious, great coming from the crockpot. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a fun weekend!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  6. alexisakamom says

    October 11, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    With plops lol that is great, so my type of cooking :), stopping by from Family Fun Friday. Love this recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 11, 2013 at 3:12 pm

      See? Not pinnable.

      Reply
      • alexisakamom says

        October 12, 2013 at 11:01 am

        LOL so true!

        Reply
  7. Kamila Gornia | Passion-Driven says

    October 8, 2013 at 12:09 am

    This rocks! I love my Crock Pot!

    Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    October 5, 2013 at 11:02 pm

    You are so fun! I wish I was your next door neighbor. Will try this dish soon!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 7, 2013 at 10:00 pm

      I’m not sure…we’re kinda wild. 😉

      Reply
  9. Michael Ann Rentz says

    October 4, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    You love your kitchen, lists, and made-up words!!! I truly do believe we were separated at birth! Thanks for another great recipe. It’s in the PTE lineup for next week!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 7:25 am

      🙂 You make me grin.

      Reply
      • Michael Ann Rentz says

        October 5, 2013 at 9:57 am

        Back at’cha! Have a great weekend.

        Reply
  10. Kristine says

    October 4, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Thanks for making me laugh several times!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:47 pm

      That’s my job! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Alyssa says

    October 4, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    How do you make zoodles and squoodles? Please and thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 4, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      See the underline on the word Zoodles and Squoodles? If you click on that, it will take you to my directions. 🙂

      Reply
  12. JO says

    October 4, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Love it!! About your garlic going moldy in the fridge, why don’t you freeze it? We buy up a whole big bunch of it, stuff it into a bag, and freeze it. It stays good for a long time.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:48 pm

      I do that for ginger…for some reason, I just like the fridge stuff. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Michael Ann Rentz says

    October 4, 2013 at 10:25 am

    You love kitchens, lists, and making up new words! I really do think we were separated at birth! Thanks for another great recipe! I’ve not done many (any?) intentionally FP meals, but this one may go into PTE as I lose my last few pounds to goal weight!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:49 pm

      Making up words is super duper fun!

      Reply
  14. Janelle says

    October 4, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Oh my god you definitely had me laughing on this post. I love crock pots and I am going to try this recipe! What kind of noodleizer do you use?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:49 pm

      It’s in the post where I linked the Zoodles. I like it a lot!

      Reply
  15. Nanci says

    October 4, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Oh my goodness, you are extra funny today!

    (Next part to be read tongue in cheek, so it doesn’t come off sounding snarky) And just for the record, I haven’t heard of anyone storing fresh garlic in the fridge, unless it was the kind that comes minced in a jar. Just thought I’d throw that out there, since my cultural heritage is from “downtown Italy” (LOL!) so I know a thing or two about garlic 🙂 Don’t let my married last name Smith fool you…

    Thanks for being a bright spot in my day! The world needs more “clean” humor like yours!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:50 pm

      Well – maybe that’s where I’m messing up with the garlic. I do love the dehydrated type though. 🙂

      Reply
      • Nanci says

        October 6, 2013 at 12:57 pm

        I love dehydrated garlic, too. It’s so versatile! I even use it to make my own garlic powder by grinding it in the spice grinder. I always find that the store bought garlic powder clumps up too much then I end up throwing it away. When I make my own in small batches, it doesn’t clump.

        Reply
  16. Aimee A says

    October 4, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Hi Stacy! How did you make those squoodles and zoodles? We would love to try some different noodles options around here.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:51 pm

      See the link where I’m talking about them? If you click on that you’ll see my Zoodle post. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Momto5 says

    October 4, 2013 at 8:39 am

    Can you please share how you make the zoodles or squoodles? Trying to get more gluten out of my diet and this sounds like a good replacement.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:51 pm

      I linked them in the post. If you’ll click on that underlined link it will take you to the Zoodles post and you can see the gadget I use. 🙂

      Reply


Hello! I’m Stacy!

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