Cooking With the Corleys

I’m a huge fan of a multi-purpose dish. If I can cook once and transform the leftovers into completely different, delicious meals throughout the week, that’s a massive win in my book!

These Apple Butter Chicken Meatballs are such a fun, wholesome twist on a classic favorite. The unsweetened apple butter brings a cozy fall sweetness that balances perfectly against the kick of spicy Stubb’s BBQ sauce (though feel free to swap in your favorite brand!).

Whether you’re setting them out with toothpicks for an effortless game-day appetizer, spooning them over creamy sweet potato mash for dinner, or tucking them into a toasted brie sandwich, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to be a huge hit.

Apple Butter Chicken Meatballs

Prep time: 2 minute

Ingredients

• 1 bag RealGood Little Chicken Meatballs (or your favorite frozen meatballs, beef or chicken)
• 1.5 cups Apple Butter (I like to use unsweetened Apple Butter but use whatever you have!)
• 2 cups Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ Sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the frozen chicken meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the apple butter and spicy BBQ sauce directly over the meatballs.
2. Mix: Stir thoroughly to ensure all the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce mixture.
3. Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
4. Serve: Give everything a gentle final stir before serving warm.

Ways to Serve

• Game Day Appetizer: Serve warmly with toothpicks for an effortless party bite or game-day snack.
• Cozy Dinner: Spoon over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes—mashed sweet potatoes work exceptionally well with the sweet-and-savory flavor profile.
• Warm Brie Sandwich: Layer onto toasted bread or rolls with melted brie cheese for an elevated, melty sandwich.
• Salad Topper: Toss over a bed of crisp greens (like arugula or spinach) for a quick, protein-packed salad meal. Great addition to a grain bowl, too!