Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs

What are chipotle peppers?

Contrary to popular belief, the chipotle pepper isn’t an entirely new pepper. In fact, it’s simply a ripe jalapeno chili pepper that has been smoke-dried. This is where the dark – almost burgundy – color comes from.
They are a well-known ingredient in Mexican (and Tex-Mex) dishes because of the distinct smoky, hot, and sweet flavors. For a sweeter flavored chipotle pepper, it is best to let them ripen to their natural deep red color.
Although you can have a go at making them yourself, this healthy chicken meatballs recipe calls for chipotle peppers in a can and chipotle powder.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for chipotle meatballs on a table.

Ground Chicken: Typically made from ground skinless boneless chicken thighs or ground chicken breast, using chicken makes this a healthier alternative to other types of meat.
Cream of Chicken: Used as part of the sauce base, cream of chicken also adds an additional chicken flavor.
Chicken Broth: Since cream of chicken soup typically calls for a can of milk or water, the chicken broth works as a perfect substitution.
Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream in a recipe like this will help produce a richer, more creamy sauce.
Bread Crumbs: Mixed with the ground chicken to help keep the meatballs intact.
Cream Cheese: Combined with a few other ingredients to make the chipotle sauce.
Mayo: Also used as a primary ingredient for the chipotle sauce.
Other Dry Ingredients: chipotle powder and minced onions are used for the chicken meatballs and the chipotle peppers are ground and used in the sauce.
Cilantro: Used for garnish.

Step-by-Step Directions

6 images about how to form meatballs and make chipotle sauce.

StepOne – In a large bowl, add ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, minced onions, and chipotle seasoning to make the ground chicken meatballs.

StepTwo – Gently mix the chicken mixture until well combined.

StepThree – In another large bowl, add the cream cheese, cream of chicken, coarsely chopped chipotle peppers, mayo, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper.

Step Four – Whisk to combine and make the chipotle sauce.

Step Five – Add a small amount of the chipotle sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker (enough to cover the bottom) and add the ground chicken meatballs on top.

step six – Pour the remaining creamy chipotle sauce into the crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or LOW for 5 hours.

How to serve

These incredibly delicious chicken meatballs can be served as an appetizer by themselves. Simply put them in a large serving bowl alongside mini forks, toothpicks, or another bite-size utensil.
Chipotle chicken meatballs also make for great sub sandwiches. Use deli-bought hoagie buns or Italian sub bread for creating a delicious lunch or dinner.
They can also be served as-is alongside roasted veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. They would also be yummy served with or on mashed potatoes.
And since this chicken meatball recipe has a Tex-Mex flavor, you can’t go wrong with serving them with Mexican rice, beans, and/or tortilla chips.

close up of creamy chipotle chicken meatballs with spoon in them.

Recipe FAQs

Are chipotle peppers spicy?

chipotle peppers are spicy, but not overwhelming. The dominant flavor is a smoky one, followed by a bit of heat and sweetness.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes. The cooking time may be a bit longer if you put them into the slow cooker in their frozen state. To cut back on a longer cooking time, allow the frozen meatballs to defrost before cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey and ground beef are excellent substitutions. Use ground turkey (or beef) to make the meatballs as directed.