Are you staring at a package of chicken meatballs in your fridge, wondering what on earth to do with them? You’re in luck! I’ve been obsessed with chicken meatballs lately because they’re so versatile healthier than beef, and my kids actually eat them without complaining (miracle!).
Whether you’ve got homemade meatballs or store-bought ones I’m gonna share my favorite ways to transform them into delicious meals that’ll make your family think you’re a culinary genius. These ideas range from super simple (for those crazy weeknights) to slightly more involved (for when you’ve got a bit more time).
Why Chicken Meatballs Are So Amazing
Before I dive into all the recipes let me just say why chicken meatballs deserve a permanent spot in your meal rotation
- They’re leaner than beef meatballs
- They soak up flavors incredibly well
- They cook quickly
- You can freeze them for later
- They work with practically ANY cuisine
- Even picky eaters tend to love them
Quick Tips for Working with Chicken Meatballs
If you’re making your own chicken meatballs from scratch, here are some handy tips:
- Season generously: Ground chicken needs more seasoning than beef to avoid blandness
- Keep your hands wet: Ground chicken can be sticky! Keep a bowl of warm water nearby and wet your hands while rolling the meatballs
- For reheating: Cut leftover meatballs in half before reheating to prevent them from drying out and help them heat faster
Pasta Dishes with Chicken Meatballs
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite comfort food combo – pasta and meatballs!
1. Classic Spaghetti and Chicken Meatballs
You can’t go wrong with this classic. Just simmer your chicken meatballs in your favorite tomato sauce (homemade or jarred, no judgment here!) and serve over spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
2. Chicken Meatball Alfredo
This rich and creamy variation is perfect for when you want something indulgent. Toss your chicken meatballs in Alfredo sauce and serve over fettuccine. You can use store-bought Alfredo or make your own in minutes by simmering heavy cream with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Baked Pasta Casserole
This is one of my family’s favorites! Mix chopped chicken meatballs with cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella, then bake until bubbly and golden. Perfect for making ahead and popping in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
4. Chicken Meatball Mac & Cheese
Elevate regular mac and cheese by adding chicken meatballs! You can use boxed mac and cheese as a shortcut or make your own cheese sauce. Either way, the meatballs add protein and make it more filling.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Meatball Dishes
Chicken meatballs are perfect for soaking up all those delicious Asian flavors!
5. Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Simmer your meatballs in teriyaki sauce and serve over rice with steamed broccoli. You can use store-bought teriyaki or make your own with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and ginger.
6. Orange Chicken Meatballs
These are SO good! Toss your chicken meatballs with orange zest and a sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey. Roll them in sesame seeds before baking for extra texture.
7. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
A takeout classic made healthier! Mix your chicken meatballs with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and sweet & sour sauce. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs.
8. Meatball Fried Rice
This is my go-to for using up leftover rice. Stir-fry cold rice with soy sauce, chopped vegetables, scrambled egg, and chopped chicken meatballs. Quick, easy, and always a hit!
9. Asian Noodles with Meatballs
Toss your favorite Asian noodles (like soba, udon, or even ramen) with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, veggies, and chicken meatballs for a super quick meal.
Mediterranean & Italian-Inspired Dishes
The flavors of the Mediterranean work beautifully with chicken meatballs.
10. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
This is easier than traditional chicken parm but just as delicious! Top your meatballs with tomato sauce and mozzarella, then broil until the cheese is melty and golden. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
11. Greek Chicken Meatballs
Season your meatballs with oregano, garlic, and lemon zest, then serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad. I like to add feta cheese to the meatball mixture for extra flavor!
12. Chicken Piccata Meatballs
These are fancy enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. Serve your meatballs in a lemon-caper sauce made with white wine, lemon juice, and butter. The fried capers on top add amazing texture!
13. Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Another restaurant-quality meal! Simmer your meatballs with mushrooms in a marsala wine sauce, then serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.
Sandwich and Wrap Ideas
Meatballs aren’t just for dinner – they make amazing sandwiches too!
14. Meatball Subs
Toast a sub roll, add chicken meatballs, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Broil until the cheese melts. Add some fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy!
15. BBQ Chicken Meatball Sandwiches
Heat your meatballs with BBQ sauce and serve on buns topped with coleslaw. So good for summer cookouts!
16. Meatball Sliders
Perfect for parties or game day! Stuff dinner rolls or slider buns with meatballs, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
17. Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, chop up heated meatballs and wrap in lettuce leaves with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of teriyaki or soy sauce.
Soups and Stews
Chicken meatballs add protein and substance to any soup!
18. Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup
This is my go-to when someone’s feeling under the weather. Add chicken meatballs to chicken broth along with noodles, carrots, celery, and onions for a comforting soup.
19. Italian Tomato Chicken Soup
Thin out some tomato sauce with chicken broth, add chicken meatballs, small pasta, and vegetables for a hearty soup. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
20. Swedish Chicken Meatballs
Serve your meatballs with Swedish meatball sauce (either homemade or from a mix) over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. It’s like visiting IKEA without the maze of furniture!
Fun and Creative Meatball Ideas
Let’s get a little creative with these next few ideas!
21. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
If you love buffalo wings but hate the mess, these are for you! Toss your meatballs in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, plus carrot and celery sticks.
22. Thanksgiving Meatballs
This is comfort food at its best. Serve your chicken meatballs with turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a mini-Thanksgiving any time of year.
23. Meatball Nachos
Chop up chicken meatballs and place them over tortilla chips with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese melts, then top with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
24. Meatball Quesadillas
Add chopped meatballs between two tortillas with cheese and your favorite veggies. Cook until crispy and the cheese is melted.
25. Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
Top your meatballs with slices of ham and Swiss cheese, then bake until the cheese melts. Fancy flavor with minimal effort!
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
One thing I love about chicken meatballs is how meal-prep friendly they are! Here are some tips:
- Make a big batch on Sunday and use them in different recipes throughout the week
- Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in sauce
- Pre-portion meatballs with sauce for quick lunch options
What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs
Need some side dish inspiration? These pair perfectly with meatballs:
- Garlic bread or cheddar biscuits
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower
- Rice or quinoa
- Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or want to impress dinner guests, chicken meatballs can be your secret weapon in the kitchen. And the best part? Most of these ideas don’t even require formal recipes – just use what you have on hand and get creative!
What’s your favorite way to use chicken meatballs? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
P.S. Don’t forget to check the label if you’re using store-bought meatballs and following a special diet (like keto, gluten-free, etc.) – or make your own to control the ingredients!
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@Leslie I think maybe fresh garlic isn’t used because of the meatballs short cook time of 20 minutes. Twenty minutes doesn’t allow the garlic to cook long enough to mellow, and diners might find the bite of garlic with so little cook time to be too assertive and hard to digest.
I find adding a small shredded zucchini (eggplant works too) produces a more tender, “fluffier” chicken meatball. Otherwise it’s too dense.
Why do recent recipes call for garlic and onion powder? Use real garlic, or scallions. These substitutes are not true to flavor and can go stale.
I made this as written, cooked about 15-17 minutes and used meat thermometer for doneness. Very moist and delicious.
The parmesan cheese is the secret ingredient. Umami!
These were delicious but a tad over seasoned. I would use fresh garlic next time or lighten up on the onion powder/garlic powder.Private comments are only visible to you.
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Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs
FAQ
What is a good side with meatballs?
What do you have with chicken meatballs?
Serving suggestions
I love serving these teriyaki chicken meatballs with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli, but you can also serve them with my edamame crunch salad for extra veggies. If you really want a lot of flavor, you can even serve with my peanut butter noodles, sesame noodles, or spicy chili garlic noodles.
How do you eat Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs?
… in all kinds of culinary situations, be it in a stir-fry, sandwich, or soup, or even simply enjoyed on their own, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce …
What sauce to put with chicken meatballs?
What I love about meatballs is that they’re so versatile! I served these tasty chicken meatballs with the cream sauce over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. But you can also switch out the sauce and serve them with a homemade marinara sauce over a bed of pasta or make meatballs subs with some hoagie rolls.