Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Recipe

This saucy, cheesy Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Recipe is made with pre-cooked chicken meatballs and rich marinara, ready in just 20 minutes. Watching the mozzarella melt and bubble around the tender meatballs right before serving makes this skillet dinner irresistible. I keep a pack in my fridge for busy weeknights when cooking from scratch just is not happening.

What Makes This Version Different

For the longest time, I tried making chicken meatballs entirely from scratch on a Tuesday night. It was always a messy, time-consuming process that left me with too many dishes.

Learning to lean on quality store-bought ingredients changed how I approach dinner. Simmering these pre-made meatballs in a good sauce infuses them with flavor and keeps them incredibly tender.

Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Recipe Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Recipe

1. Heat the Skillet: Warm the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly browned.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 8 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
4. Melt the Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven carefully and scatter fresh basil over the top before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Prevent burning: Keep the heat low once you add the marinara sauce to stop it from splattering or scorching the pan.
• Check the temp: Even though they are fully cooked, make sure the center of the meatballs feels hot to the touch.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil before browning for a subtle kick.

What To Serve With Chicken Meatballs

Serve these saucy meatballs over a bed of hot spaghetti or zucchini noodles to soak up the extra marinara. They also make fantastic sub sandwiches when stuffed into toasted hoagie rolls.

How To Store

Keep leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use turkey meatballs instead?

Yes, Trader Joe’s also sells turkey meatballs that work perfectly in this exact method.

Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs first?

If your meatballs are frozen, you can simmer them straight from the freezer. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the simmer time.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Combine the sauce and meatballs in a slow cooker on low for 2 to 3 hours before adding the cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
• Protein: 24 g

Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

This Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Recipe yields tender chicken meatballs smothered in bubbling melted mozzarella and rich marinara sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this simple skillet approach transforms basic grocery staples into a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

• 1. Heat the Skillet: Warm the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
• 2. Brown the Meatballs: Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly browned.
• 3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 8 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
• 4. Melt the Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• 5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven carefully and scatter fresh basil over the top before serving.