Anyone who values convenient, quick, and nutritious food items loves Costco‘s chicken meatballs—be it from their frozen section for quick dinner preparation, or creating at-home recipes using them. You can’t go wrong with these delicious protein-rich delectable balls! In this comprehensive guide, we will demonstrate how to cook Costco chicken meatballs yourself at home, providing traditional recipes as well as tips for improving their flavor!
Prepare yourself to craft succulent and delectable meatballs that rival those found at supermarkets—but with the added advantage of doing it all yourself! Get set for delicious homemade meatballs.
Why Select Costco Chicken Meatballs?
🍽️ Convenience Meets Quality
Costco’s chicken meatballs offer convenience and quality for families with busy lives. They are easy to cook and versatile in their use—perfect for pasta dishes, sub sandwiches, or as an appetizer on their own. Since they are made from lean ground chicken, these meatballs are more nutritious than those made with pork or beef.
🌿 Customizable Flavors
Making homemade chicken meatballs allows you to customize the flavor to meet your specific preferences. You can include Italian herbs or garlic for an aromatic or spicy kick—the recipe is fully customizable! Plus, by making them yourself, you ensure the use of natural ingredients without any preservatives.
Ingredients for Costco Chicken Meatballs
Before we dive into making these Costco-inspired chicken meatballs, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Chicken | 1 lb | Lean ground chicken is ideal for creating healthy meatballs |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup | Regular or Panko breadcrumbs work best |
| Parmesan Cheese (Grated) | ¼ cup | Adds richness and enhances flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Acts as a binder to help hold the meatballs together |
| Garlic (Minced) | 2 cloves | Fresh garlic for an extra depth of flavor |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Adds a blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | To taste |
| Black Pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground for the best flavor |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons | Keeps the meatballs moist |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon | Used for browning the meatballs before baking |
| Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) | ¼ teaspoon | Adds a spicy kick if desired |
How to Make Costco Chicken Meatballs at Home
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Add in the egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until fully combined, but be careful not to overmix, which could result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the chicken mixture into small, even-sized meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and quickly. Place the meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, browning them on each side for about 3-4 minutes. This step locks in moisture and gives the meatballs a nice golden-brown exterior. You don’t need to cook them through completely—just get a good sear.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking ensures that the meatballs are fully cooked and remain juicy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, take the meatballs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. These meatballs can be served on their own as appetizers, or paired with pasta, marinara sauce, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, wrap them in lettuce leaves!
Cooking Tips for Costco Chicken Meatballs
❄️ Keep Your Mixture Cold
Keeping the chicken mixture cold before shaping the meatballs helps them retain their shape better during cooking.
❌ Don’t Overmix
When mixing the ingredients, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients evenly.
🌡️ Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure safe consumption.
🌿 Play with Flavors
Experiment with different flavors by adding fresh herbs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, or lemon zest. These can elevate the flavor profile of your meatballs.
What to Serve with Costco Chicken Meatballs
1. 🍝 Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
For an authentic Italian meal, serve your Costco chicken meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for maximum flavor!
2. 🥖 Meatball Subs
Turn your meatballs into a delicious sandwich! Place them on a toasted sub roll, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. 🥒 Greek-Style Meatballs with Tzatziki
For a light and refreshing meal, serve the meatballs with tzatziki sauce, cucumber salad, and pita bread. This Greek-inspired combination is healthy, fresh, and full of zesty flavors!
4. 🥗 Low-Carb Zoodles
Serve your meatballs over zucchini noodles (zoodles) with a lemon-garlic sauce for a low-carb, gluten-free option. This dish is light and satisfying!
Nutritional Information for Costco Chicken Meatballs (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
FAQs About Costco Chicken Meatballs
❓ Can homemade chicken meatballs be frozen?
Absolutely. Once cooled, freeze them on a baking tray until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
❓ Can I make gluten-free meatballs?
Yes! Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.
❓ What type of ground chicken should I use?
Lean ground chicken works best as it’s lower in fat but still moist. You can also use a mix of ground chicken breast and thighs for a richer flavor.
❓ Can I make these meatballs in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry your chicken meatballs at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
❓ What can I use as a substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, oatmeal, or almond flour can be used as a low-carb alternative.
❓ How long can I store meatballs in the fridge?
Cooked chicken meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts on Costco Chicken Meatballs
Costco chicken meatballs are a quick, tasty, and nutritious option, whether you purchase them store-bought or make them at home. Making them yourself allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your preferences. These meatballs are versatile and perfect for any meal, whether it’s pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers.
Try this delicious homemade Costco chicken meatballs recipe and enjoy them with your favorite sides and sauces for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!