These copycat Costco Chicken Meatballs make a great dinner or party appetizer. They are easy to prepare and taste delicious. If you love picking up Kirkland chicken meatballs from Costco, you need to try this homemade recipe.
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This recipe for Costco meatballs is simple but the result is tender, juicy, and flavorful. They are perfectly seasoned and not dry at all. It’s typically a concern that chicken will be dry because it’s fairly lean, but these meatballs turn out just right every time!
I love to make these ahead for a quick meal. They jazz up store-bought marinara and pasta to create a lovely pasta dish. They’re even great on a sandwich or glazed with BBQ sauce. There are several ways to enjoy them, and everyone always devours them so these meatballs are always a winner!
If you like Costco copycat recipes, you will love Costco Orange Chicken and this Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s budget-friendly: This recipe utilizes inexpensive ingredients to create amazing ground chicken meatballs. It’s a great copycat meatball that can be made even on a tight budget.
- It’s ready in less than 30 minutes: The total time to prepare and cook these meatballs is about 25 minutes, making it a perfect 30-minute meal. I love quick recipes that I can make on a busy weeknight.
- It’s perfect to make in advance: One of my favorite things about these meatballs is that they are great to make ahead and store in the refrigerator to enjoy another time. They reheat beautifully!
Ingredients
These are all of the components you’ll need to make these homemade ground chicken meatballs. They are all common ingredients you can find at almost any grocery store.
- Ground chicken: The most important ingredient you’ll need to make these easy ground chicken meatballs is the chicken itself. You can use ground turkey, in a pinch but it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: This adds sharp flavor, great texture, and moisture to the meatballs. I prefer grated for this because it incorporates into the meat the best.
- Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs for this recipe because I want the fresh garlic and basil to shine. However, Italian-style breadcrumbs will work if it’s what you have on hand.
- Milk: Instead of eggs, the milk and breadcrumbs work as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together. I recommend whole milk if possible for the fat content, but 2% would be fine as well.
- Garlic: This enhances the flavor of the meatballs so well. You can use garlic powder instead, but I highly recommend that you stick with fresh.
- Fresh basil: I love using fresh basil because it gives this recipe the signature Costco meatball flavor. If you want to use dried basil, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons because it’s more potent.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy: Add some spicy ingredients like crushed red pepper or cayenne to bring the heat.
- Stuffed: Form each meatball around a small chunk of mozzarella cheese for a tasty stuffed version.
- Gluten-free: Swap the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version to make these allergy-friendly.
How to Make Costco Chicken Meatballs
Here are the instructions on how to make this chicken meatball Costco recipe. Spray your baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and preheat your oven to 400°F before you get started.
Step 1: Add the ingredients. Add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, and basil to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix them. Mix the ingredients using your hands or a wooden spoon until they are just combined.
Step 3: Form the meatballs. Grab a 2 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop and scoop the meat mixture. Roll into a ball and place it on a baking sheet. Repeat the process until it is all used up.
Step 4: Bake and serve. Pop the meatballs in the oven and bake them for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Enjoy them with your favorite sauce, side, or however you want!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overwork the meat: Only mix the meatballs ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the ground chicken can make the meatballs tough as they cook.
- Broil at the end: If you want a little extra color on these chicken meatballs, broil them for 2-3 minutes after they have finished cooking.
- Oil the cookie scoop: The mixture will be sticky, so I recommend that you brush a light coating of oil on the cookie scoop or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to make forming the meatballs easier.
If you love recipes like these chicken meatballs, you may also enjoy these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs, buffalo chicken meatballs or this Pineapple BBQ Meatballs recipe
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store any leftover meatballs in a Ziploc bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I like to freeze them first on a baking tray and then transfer them to a storage container. This makes it easier to remove just what I want to cook.
- Reheating: These are best reheated in a sauce in a pot on the stovetop over low heat or covered in a 350°F oven. You can microwave them, but they might become a little dry.
- Make Ahead: Form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before you cook them. Or, cook them up to 24 hours before serving and then reheat them for lunch, dinner, or an appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
There's so many ways to serve these meatballs! Here are a few suggestions for inspiration.
- These meatballs are really good over rice! Try a freshly cooked dish like spinach rice or your favorite pre-packed variety to create a meal.
- Add a little heat to your dish by serving chili oil ramen noodles as a side.
- You can’t go wrong with a fresh salad! I love serving leftover chicken meatballs over cold asparagus salad or Italian pasta salad for a nutritious lunch.
- Glaze these meatballs with pineapple jalapeno jam for a spicy tropical kick.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Grab a large skillet and brown the meatballs over medium heat. It should take 3-5 minutes per side! I recommend using olive oil or avocado oil to cook them.
Of course. Prepare, form, and freeze the meatballs on a sheet pan for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer for 4-6 months.
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F and cook the meatballs for 10-13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
More Delicious Meatball Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Costco Chicken Meatballs Copycat
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cups breadcrumbs plain
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
- Using a 2 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, make meatballs and roll into uniform shape.
- Bake at 400F for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165F.
- Serve by dipping in a marinara, on a salad, in a wrap or on their own!
Notes
- Freeze the raw chicken meatballs to save them for another meal. Place them on a sheet pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm and then put them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze them for 4-6 months.
- Store your leftover Costco chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Lightly coat the cookie scoop with oil or nonstick cooking spray to prevent the meatball mixture from sticking to it.
Benny says
These tasted great. Loved this recipe and will definitely make a double batch next time. It would have been nice to have leftovers lol I’m excited to try them in a sandwich I bet they’re gonna be great. Thx for sharing
Karin and Ken says
Sandwiches taste great too in my opinion. We always melt some cheese on them too. I can’t wait to hear what you think. All the best. Karin
Nancy says
These meatballs were so easy to make and not one complaint. I don’t think my husband noticed they weren’t made of beef!! Thanks for sharing another great recipe
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. I try my best. Enjoy the rest of your day. Karin