Costco Chicken Meatballs Recipes Guide

Have you ever walked through the frozen food aisle at Costco and spotted those delicious-looking chicken meatballs? If you’re wondering whether they’re worth the hype, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you need a quick meal, a party appetizer, or a protein-packed snack, Costco’s chicken meatballs are a game-changer. Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from ingredients and nutrition facts to the best cooking methods and tasty recipes!

What Are Costco Chicken Meatballs?

Costco chicken meatballs are fully cooked, frozen meatballs made primarily from high-quality chicken. These meatballs are seasoned to perfection and designed to be a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. They’re a favorite among busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who wants a convenient protein source without sacrificing flavor.

Why do so many Costco shoppers rave about these meatballs? Here’s why:

  • Convenience: They’re fully cooked, meaning you just need to heat and eat.
  • Flavor-packed: A savory, slightly garlicky taste makes them super versatile.
  • Healthier alternative: Compared to traditional beef meatballs, chicken is lower in fat.
  • Budget-friendly: You get a large bag for a reasonable price—perfect for families.

Where to Buy Costco Chicken Meatballs?

Obviously, the best place to find these gems is at your local Costco warehouse. But what if you don’t have a membership? No worries! You can also find Costco chicken meatballs on online platforms like Instacart, Amazon, or Walmart. However, keep in mind that third-party sellers may charge a little extra.

Costco Chicken Meatballs Ingredients & Nutrition Facts

Flat lay image of Costco chicken meatballs' ingredients, including ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spices

What’s Inside: A Breakdown of Ingredients

Wondering what’s in these meatballs? Here’s the ingredient list from one of the popular brands sold at Costco:

“Chicken, water, bread crumbs (wheat flour, salt, yeast), parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), salt, dehydrated garlic, spices, sugar, and natural flavor.”

Most Costco chicken meatballs contain simple, wholesome ingredients, but always check the label if you have dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Value: Are They Healthy?

Let’s break down the nutrition facts per serving (about 4 meatballs):

NutrientAmount (Per 4 Meatballs)
Calories180
Protein16g
Total Fat10g
Saturated Fat3g
Carbohydrates7g
Sodium500mg
Sugar1g

Overall, these meatballs are a great source of protein with moderate fat content. However, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your portion size.

Comparing Costco Chicken Meatballs to Other Brands

How do Costco’s chicken meatballs stack up against competitors? Here’s a quick comparison:

BrandCalories (Per 4 Meatballs)ProteinSodium
Costco (Kirkland Signature)18016g500mg
Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs19015g540mg
Applegate Organic Chicken Meatballs16014g450mg

Costco’s meatballs strike a good balance between protein, calories, and sodium. However, if you want an organic option, Applegate might be a better choice.

Cooking Costco Chicken Meatballs: Best Methods & Tips

Close-up of chicken meatballs being cooked in an air fryer, showing a crispy golden-brown exterior.

Now, let’s talk about how to cook these bad boys! Since they’re fully cooked, all you need to do is heat them up, but some methods work better than others.

How to Cook Costco Chicken Meatballs (Step-by-Step)

Here are the best ways to prepare them:

Oven Baking: Pros and Cons

Oven baking is perfect for getting a slightly crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy.

How to bake them:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Pros: Crispy outside, evenly cooked, great for large batches.
Cons: Takes longer than other methods.

Air Fryer Method for Extra Crispiness

If you love a little crunch, the air fryer is your best bet!

How to air-fry:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Place the meatballs in the basket (don’t overcrowd them).
  3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Pros: Super crispy, quick, requires little to no oil.
Cons: May dry out slightly if overcooked.

Stovetop & Slow Cooker Options

Want them juicy and saucy? Try simmering them on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Stovetop:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a bit of oil and toss in the meatballs.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker:

  • Add frozen meatballs to a slow cooker.
  • Pour in your favorite sauce (BBQ, marinara, or teriyaki).
  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Both methods keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.

Best Recipes Using Costco Chicken Meatballs

Alright, now that you know how to cook them, let’s take things up a notch! Whether you’re meal prepping, making dinner for the family, or hosting a party, these Costco chicken meatballs can be transformed into mouthwatering dishes. 🍽️

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

A beautifully plated spaghetti dish with Costco chicken meatballs, topped with rich marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Served on a white ceramic plate with a fork on the side, against a softly lit Italian-style restaurant background

You can never go wrong with this timeless favorite! It’s easy, hearty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of Costco chicken meatballs
  • 1 jar of marinara sauce
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the marinara sauce.
  3. Stir in garlic powder and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Add Costco chicken meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.
  6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!

BBQ Glazed Chicken Meatballs

Looking for a quick appetizer? These BBQ meatballs are perfect for game nights, parties, or just a fun snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of Costco chicken meatballs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Toothpicks (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked paprika. Heat on low.
  2. Add the meatballs and stir until fully coated.
  3. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

If you love Asian-inspired flavors, you’ll love this dish. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of Costco chicken meatballs
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (red and green), chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add bell peppers.
  2. Add the meatballs and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks.
  4. Simmer for another 8 minutes.
  5. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Meatball Sub Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub? This recipe is quick, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of Costco chicken meatballs
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Heat the meatballs in marinara sauce over medium heat.
  2. Slice the hoagie rolls and spread butter inside each roll.
  3. Toast the rolls in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  4. Place meatballs inside each roll, top with mozzarella, and sprinkle Italian seasoning.
  5. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Healthy Meal Prep with Costco Chicken Meatballs

A beautifully plated spaghetti dish with Costco chicken meatballs, topped with rich marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Served on a white ceramic plate with a fork on the side, against a softly lit Italian-style restaurant background

Want a high-protein, low-carb meal? Pair these meatballs with roasted veggies and quinoa for a balanced meal.

Meal Prep Idea:

  • 4 Costco chicken meatballs
  • 1/2 cup roasted broccoli
  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 1 tbsp tzatziki sauce

Pack in meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days!

Common Problems and Solutions with Costco Chicken Meatballs

Even though these meatballs are easy to prepare, you might run into a few minor issues. Here’s how to fix them:

Why Are My Meatballs Too Dry?

If your meatballs turn out dry, it’s likely because they were overcooked. Try simmering them in sauce or adding a splash of olive oil before reheating.

How to Prevent Meatballs from Sticking to the Pan?

If your meatballs are sticking, make sure you’re using enough oil or a non-stick pan. Another tip is to let them heat up fully before flipping them.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Properly

Got leftovers? Here’s the best way to store and reheat them:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Keep in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or simmer in sauce on the stovetop.

Costco Chicken Meatballs: Customer Reviews & Feedback

What Customers Love About Them

Here are some common positive reviews:

“These meatballs are a lifesaver! Quick to cook and taste amazing with any sauce.” – ★★★★★

“Perfect for meal prep! They’re juicy, flavorful, and not too salty.” – ★★★★☆

Common Complaints and Drawbacks

Some customers mention:

  • ⚠️ Slightly high in sodium
  • ⚠️ Some batches may be a little dry
  • ⚠️ Limited flavor options

Is It Worth Buying? (Final Verdict)

Overall, Costco chicken meatballs are a great buy! They’re convenient, tasty, and versatile. If you’re looking for a quick protein option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these are definitely worth it.

Where to Find Costco Chicken Meatballs for the Best Price

Costco Warehouse vs. Online Stores

The best place to buy them is at a Costco warehouse, where they are most affordable. Online stores may have higher prices due to shipping and handling fees.

Seasonal Discounts & Deals

Check for Costco’s monthly deals or bulk discounts for the best savings.

Alternative Places to Buy Costco Chicken Meatballs

If you don’t have a Costco membership, try Instacart or Amazon, but expect a slight price increase.

If you enjoy Italian desserts, you might be curious about the popular Costco tiramisu—[learn what Costco’s tiramisu is made of here].

Conclusion: Are Costco Chicken Meatballs a Good Choice?

If you’re looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal option that’s easy to prepare, Costco chicken meatballs are a fantastic choice. They’re affordable, versatile, and perfect for any meal. So next time you’re at Costco, grab a bag—you won’t regret it!

Print
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A plate of Costco chicken meatballs garnished with parsley, served with marinara sauce on a rustic wooden table.

Costco Chicken Meatballs

These tender and flavorful meatballs are just like the ones from Costco—perfect for quick meals, pasta, or subs! Made with simple, fresh ingredients.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk, letting it sit for a minute to absorb.
  • Add ground beef, ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a tray.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until fully cooked.
  • Serve hot with pasta, rice, or as a sandwich filling. Enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 15 Min
  • Cook Time: 20 Min

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: ~280 kcal