Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs are good on their own, but homemade ones blow them out of the water!
The trick is keeping them juicy, which means not overmixing the ground chicken or packing them too tightly.
I like adding a bit of grated onion to the mixture—it keeps the texture light and adds extra moisture.
A quick pan-sear before baking gives them a deeper color and a slight crispness on the outside.
They hold up well in sauces, whether you’re tossing them in marinara or glazing them with something sweet and sticky.
I always double the batch and freeze half so I have a quick meal ready to go later.
Letting them rest for a few minutes after baking helps keep the juices inside instead of running out when you cut into them.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb Trader Joe’s Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Get a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, chili powder, sweet chili sauce, and parmesan cheese.
Step 2:
Mix everything thoroughly to create a consistent meatball mixture.
This helps all the flavors to blend into each bite you take.
Step 3:
Shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a scoop.
You should get around 20 meatballs.
Step 4:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Once hot, sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them evenly.
Step 5:
Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet once they’re golden brown.
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Chill the Mixture:
Before rolling the meatballs, chill the mixture for 20 minutes in the refrigerator for easier handling.
Cold ingredients will help the meatballs to hold their shape better.
Avoid Overmixing:
Gently mix the ingredients rather than overdoing it.
Too much mixing can lead to tough meatballs, and you want them to be nice and tender.
Get Uniformity:
Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized meatballs, ensuring even cooking throughout your batch.
Consistent sizes help them to cook at the same rate, which is key to perfect meatballs.
Test Doneness:
Check for doneness by cutting open one meatball or using a meat thermometer.
You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and flavor.
What to Serve with Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a fantastic choice to serve with Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs.
Cooking the rice in a mix of chicken broth and spices adds depth to its flavor.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Another classic pairing for these meatballs is garlic mashed potatoes.
Smooth and creamy, they complement the meatballs wonderfully.
The hint of garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a unique twist when paired with chicken meatballs.
Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the meatballs.
To make them extra crispy, try baking instead of frying.
Grilled Asparagus
If you want a light side, grilled asparagus is a lovely option.
Its slight char adds a smoky taste which pairs well with the meatballs.
You can also drizzle a little lemon juice on top for freshness.
Cucumber Dill Salad
A cucumber dill salad adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
The crisp cucumbers and tangy dill are perfect for cutting through the richness of the meatballs.
This dish is quick to make and keeps things fresh and lively on your plate.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives
You can switch things up by using ground turkey instead of chicken to make these meatballs.
Turkey gives a slightly different flavor while keeping things light and healthy.
For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives that add a different texture.
Spice it Up
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the mix or sauce.
Adding buffalo sauce to these meatballs makes them tangy with an extra spicy kick!
Feel free to mix in some diced jalapeños for an ongoing spicy flavor.
Cheese Choices
Parmesan cheese is fabulous in these meatballs, but feel free to swap it with mozzarella or feta!
Sauce Options
The classic piccata sauce is delicious, but you can pair these meatballs with marinara for a more Italian flair!
Consider using teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory touch that’s perfect with white rice.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving these meatballs as sliders using small buns for a party or gathering.
They also work well as a topping on a salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette dressing.
How to Store Leftover Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs
Store your leftover meatballs in an airtight container to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Always let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating, which helps maintain their quality.
Refrigeration
If you plan to eat them within three days, use the refrigerator to store them, but make sure your fridge is set to the right temperature.
Freezing
For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs in a single layer first to avoid them sticking together.
After they are frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you store them properly, the meatballs can last up to two months in the freezer, keeping their taste intact.
It’s a good idea to label the containers with the date so you remember how long they’ve been stored.
This small step can make tracking freshness easier.
Ensure the meatballs are evenly spaced within the container to promote better cooling and maintain their texture.
By following these simple steps, your Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs will stay delicious for your next meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Meatball Mixture
You might think that mixing thoroughly will improve your meatballs, but that’s not the case.
Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
Instead, gently combine the ingredients until they’re just incorporated.
Skipping the Seasoning
It’s easy to forget to season well in the excitement of cooking.
Skipping seasoning means bland meatballs, so make sure you add salt, pepper, and any other flavorful elements.
A little garlic powder or parmesan can make a big difference!
Cooking on Too High Heat
Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Instead, opt for medium heat for even cooking.
This way, the meatballs are perfectly cooked through without being burnt on the outside!
Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- 1 lb Trader Joe's Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Get a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, chili powder, sweet chili sauce, and parmesan cheese.
- Mix everything thoroughly to create a consistent meatball mixture.
- This helps all the flavors to blend into each bite you take.
- Shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a scoop.
- You should get around 20 meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Once hot, sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them evenly.
- Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet once they're golden brown.
- Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through.
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