Go Back
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste To create the meatballs, I start with ground turkey or chicken. This choice keeps them lean but still flavorful. I mix in breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs. The grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich and savory taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. I include a large egg to hold everything together. Then, I season with garlic powder and onion powder for depth. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors perfectly. - 1 cup cranberry sauce - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon grated ginger For the sauce, I use a cup of cranberry sauce. It brings a sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with the meatballs. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick of heat. I mix in soy sauce for a savory touch, balancing the sweetness. Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce with acidity. Lastly, I add grated ginger for a warm, spicy note. This sauce coats the meatballs and enhances their flavor as they cook. To make the meatballs, start by mixing the ingredients in a large bowl. You will need: - 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Combine all the items until they blend well. I like to use my hands for this. It helps to mix everything evenly. Next, roll the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and is perfect for serving. Place the rolled meatballs on a baking sheet. Browning the meatballs is optional but adds great flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This gives them a nice golden color. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step. The slow cooker will cook them fully. Now it's time to prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. You will need: - 1 cup cranberry sauce - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon grated ginger Make sure there are no lumps. A smooth sauce coats the meatballs better and tastes great. To cook the meatballs, layer them in the slow cooker. Place the meatballs at the bottom and pour the sauce over them. Make sure each meatball gets coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you are cooking on low, it will take about 4-5 hours. If you prefer high, it will take about 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender. When done, gently stir the meatballs to coat them again in the sauce before serving. To get the best texture, use ground turkey or chicken. These meats keep the meatballs moist. Mix the meat well with breadcrumbs and cheese. This helps hold them together. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make them tough. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic or onion powder for extra flavor. A bit of salt and pepper goes a long way. Want to jazz up your meatballs? Try adding chopped onion or bell peppers to the mix. You can also blend in some crushed red pepper for heat. If you prefer a twist, substitute turkey with beef or pork. For a smoky touch, add a dash of smoked paprika. You can also cook these meatballs in an oven. Bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Just make sure they cook all the way through. Presentation matters! Serve your meatballs on a big platter. Garnish them with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds nice color and crunch. Offer toothpicks for easy serving, especially at parties. Pair these meatballs with rice or noodles for a complete meal. A side of steamed veggies works well too. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in your meatballs. Ground beef or pork works well. If you want a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. These swaps keep the dish tasty and light. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. You can switch the sweeteners in the sauce for a different flavor. Try honey or maple syrup for a unique twist. If you like to make your own sauces, mix cranberry juice with chili sauce and a touch of soy sauce. Homemade sauces can add a fresh taste to the meatballs. You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer or a main dish. For appetizers, use toothpicks for easy eating. They make great finger foods at parties. If you want to serve them as a main dish, pair them with rice or noodles. This makes for a filling and satisfying meal. You can also add steamed veggies on the side for a complete dinner. To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent any odors from other foods. You can refrigerate them right after they cool. They will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. You can freeze these meatballs for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. After that, put them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. Just make sure they are heated all the way through. Enjoy their sweet and spicy flavors! To check if the meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, look for visual cues. The meatballs should be firm to the touch and have no pink in the center. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead. Mix the meatball ingredients and form them into balls. Store uncooked meatballs in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for later use. If you want to store cooked meatballs, place them in an airtight container. They last in the fridge for up to four days. These meatballs pair well with various side dishes. Serve them with rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also enjoy them with a fresh salad for a lighter option. For drinks, consider pairing with iced tea or a light white wine. These options balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs perfectly. These sweet chili cranberry meatballs blend simple ingredients for a tasty meal. We covered the key components, from the ground turkey to the flavorful sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to perfect your meatballs. You can tweak recipes with various proteins and sauces to fit your taste. With proper storage, these meatballs can be enjoyed later. I hope you feel ready to try this dish and impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs

Savor the flavors of these Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs that are perfect for any gathering! This easy-to-follow recipe features tender turkey or chicken meatballs bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's sure to impress your guests. Click through for detailed instructions and tips for serving these delicious meatballs at your next event!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey or chicken

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1 cup cranberry sauce (canned is fine)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully integrated.

    Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.

      Brown the Meatballs (Optional): For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.

        Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger until smooth.

          Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over them, ensuring all meatballs are coated.

            Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.

              Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce again before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs on a large platter garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. Use toothpicks for easy serving at parties!