If you’re looking for a tasty and easy-to-make meal, Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe is an excellent choice.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner solution. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. The combination of ground chicken, spices, and herbs makes the meatballs incredibly flavorful.
Plus, you can serve the meatballs with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes and carrots. So, let’s get started and learn more about this amazing dish.
What is Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
Trader Joe’s, an American grocery store chain with its headquarters situated in Monrovia, California, boasts a network of 560 stores scattered across the United States. One of their popular items is Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe.
It is a delicious and healthy meal that can be served for dinner or lunch. This dish is made with ground chicken, spices, and herbs to give it an amazing flavor. The meatballs are then cooked in an oven until they are browned and cooked through. This recipe is easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes and carrots.
Why You’ll Love this Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
There are many reasons why you’ll love Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe. First, this dish is incredibly flavorful. The combination of ground chicken, spices, and herbs make it incredibly delicious.
Plus, it’s a healthy meal that can be served for dinner or lunch. Additionally, it’s a simple recipe that can be made in a short amount of time. So, if you’re looking for an easy and flavorful meal, this is the perfect recipe for you.
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The Ingredients
Panko breadcrumbs: These are used as a binding agent and to add texture to the meatballs. They help hold the ingredients together and prevent the meatballs from becoming too dense.
Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the meatballs. The aged Parmigiano-Reggiano contributes depth and umami to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
Free-range ground chicken: The main protein source for the meatballs. Ground chicken provides a leaner option compared to beef or pork while still delivering a meaty flavor.
Pastured egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold their shape while also providing moisture. The egg helps bring all the ingredients together.
Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and a mild herbaceous flavor to the meatballs. It also contributes to the overall aroma and visual appeal of the dish.
Organic garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the meatballs. Garlic complements the other ingredients and adds depth to the overall taste profile.
Pink Himalayan salt and freshly cracked rainbow peppercorns: Used for seasoning and enhancing the taste of the meatballs. These spices add a balance of saltiness and a pop of peppery flavor to the dish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This ensures the meatballs cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Thoroughly mix these dry ingredients and set the bowl aside.
Combine Chicken Mixture: In a larger mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, beaten egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This forms the base for your meatballs.
Fold in Breadcrumb Mixture: Gently incorporate the breadcrumb and cheese mixture into the bowl with the chicken. Ensure thorough mixing without overworking the mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 3: Form Meatballs
Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the chicken mixture into evenly sized meatballs, aiming for around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Place in Oven: Put the baking sheet with the formed meatballs into the preheated oven.
Bake Until Done: Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and have a golden brown color on the outside. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re properly cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Rest Meatballs: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
Serve: Enjoy these delicious chicken meatballs as an appetizer with your preferred dipping sauce, or incorporate them into a meal by serving with pasta, salad, or in a sandwich.
Notes
-You can use any type of ground meat in this recipe, such as turkey or beef.
-You can use any type of breadcrumbs, such as Panko or Italian-style.
-Make sure to season the meatballs well with salt and pepper.
-If the meatballs are sticking to the baking sheet, add a bit more olive oil.
-You can also fry the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
-You can freeze any leftover meatballs for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 17g of fat, 14g of protein, and 8g of carbohydrates.
How to Store Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Variations
-For a spicy version, add some diced jalapenos to the mixture.
-For an Italian version, add some diced sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
-For a Greek version, add some diced kalamata olives and feta cheese.
-For an Asian version, add some diced ginger and chopped cilantro.
-For a Mexican version, add some diced bell peppers and cumin.
-For an Indian version, add some diced onions and garam masala.
Equipment
- Oven
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 8 ounces 1/2 lb of ground chicken
- 1 pastured egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
- 1 clove of organic garlic finely minced
- Pink Himalayan salt and freshly cracked rainbow peppercorns to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- In another larger mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, beaten egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold the breadcrumb and cheese mixture into the bowl with the chicken mixture. Combine everything thoroughly, but avoid overmixing as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Using your hands, shape the chicken mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
- Put the baking sheet with the formed meatballs into the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a golden brown color on the outside. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve these delicious chicken meatballs as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal with pasta, salad, or in a sandwich.
Notes
- You can use any type of ground meat in this recipe, such as turkey or beef.
- You can use any type of breadcrumbs, such as Panko or Italian-style.
- Make sure to season the meatballs well with salt and pepper.
- If the meatballs are sticking to the baking sheet, add a bit more olive oil.
- You can also fry the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
- You can freeze any leftover meatballs for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does it take to make Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
A1. This recipe takes about 25 minutes to make.
Q2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2. Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q3. Can I use any type of ground meat in this recipe?
A3. Yes, you can use any type of ground meat, such as turkey or beef.
Q4. How many servings does this recipe yield?
A4. This recipe yields 4 servings.
Q5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
A5. Yes, the leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q6. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
A6. Yes, you can make this recipe without breadcrumbs if you’d like.
Q7. Are the meatballs gluten-free?
A7. Yes, the meatballs are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal. This dish is made with ground chicken, spices, and herbs to give it an amazing flavor. The meatballs can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes and carrots.
Plus, it’s a healthy meal that can be made in a short amount of time. So, if you’re looking for an easy and flavorful dinner option, this is the perfect recipe for you.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more