Put these mini cocktail meatballs on toothpicks for an appetizer everyone loves! Made in the slow cooker, these ground chicken meatballs use both grape jelly and BBQ sauce for terrific flavor in every bite. Slightly sticky, deliciously smoky, and so satisfying! Recipe yields about 60 mini meatballs.

shot of meatballs piled on a sheet pan with toothpicks in the meatballs

Is it just me or are appetizers tough to come up with? There are so many options and sometimes I get sick of the same old stuff. Check out some of my best easy appetizer recipes if you’re feeling stuck. We’re spicing things up today and I’ve got a recipe that will become a quick favorite. The best part? It’s a set it and forget it slow cooker wonder!

Watch how easy they are to make

shot of meatballs piled on a sheet pan with toothpicks in the meatballs

Ingredients in Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Couldn’t be simpler, team! You’ll be combining everything, rolling it into tiny meatballs, and tossing them into the slow cooker. You’ll need…

  1. Ground chicken
  2. Egg
  3. Bread crumbs
  4. Spices! Use: salt, garlic powder, onion powder
  5. Barbecue sauce
  6. Grape jelly (yep!)

Maybe you think meatballs with grape jelly is weird, or maybe you’re totally on board. Either way, please trust me on this one. The jelly balances out the smoky BBQ sauce so nicely making the perfect cocktail meatballs.

overhead shot of raw meatballs layered in a slow cooker over sauce

How to make BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

You can assemble everything, toss it in the crockpot, and forget it until you’re ready to serve them to your friends and family. It only takes one bowl, too! Combine your ingredients, and as you form the meatballs, set them into the slow cooker. If you want a similar process with amazing results, you gotta try my Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs.

cooked meatballs in a slow cooker being scooped out with a spoon

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Meatballs

I love these as an appetizer! Put them on a table with your favorite apps and everyone will be SO happy with your killer slow cooker skills. They’d be great as a side or main dish too, though! The sky is the limit! Serve them with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Mac and cheese
  • Baked beans
  • Sweet potato fries

…basically, any of your favorite BBQ dishes!

shot of meatballs on a sheet pan with dipping sauce

More Appetizers

shot of meatballs on a sheet pan with dipping sauce
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
shot of meatballs piled on a sheet tray with a toothpick

Slow Cooker Meatballs with Grape Jelly & BBQ Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: about 60 mini meatballs 1x
  • Category: appetizer
  • Method: Slow cooker
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Put these mini cocktail meatballs on toothpicks for an appetizer everyone loves! Made in the slow cooker, these ground chicken meatballs use both grape jelly and BBQ sauce for terrific flavor in every bite. Slightly sticky, deliciously smoky, and so satisfying! Recipe yields about 60 mini meatballs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (I used the Trader Joe’s brand but any kind works)
  • ¾ cup grape jelly (can also use blackberry or blueberry jelly)
  • Ranch dressing for dipping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Spray the bottom of a slow cooker and set aside. In a large bowl add the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Use a fork or clean hands and mix ingredients together until well combined. 
  2. In a separate bowl mix together the BBQ sauce and jelly until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Use a mini ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Use wet hands to form the meatballs and to help prevent them from sticking. Place formed meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker. Once the mixture gets too sticky, wet your hands again and continue forming the meatballs. 
  4. Once you have a single layer of meatballs on the bottom of the slow cooker, pour over a little of the BBQ sauce mixture. Continue forming the meatballs and place on a second layer on top of the sauce. Once all meatballs are formed, pour over the rest of the sauce. 
  5. Cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring about half way through. Serve with toothpicks and a side of ranch. 

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @lifeisbutadish on Instagram and hashtag it #lifeisbutadish

Follow Life is but a Dish on PINTEREST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM for all the latest content and behind the scenes! Remember to subscribe to my free  Life is but a Dish Weekly Newsletter and receive easy recipes delivered to your inbox every week!