Some nights just call for something fast, easy, and still full of flavor. That’s where this Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe comes in.
I keep a pack of Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs in the fridge for exactly this kind of meal—tossed in a quick garlic butter sauce with a squeeze of lemon and a hit of Parmesan.
It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours, but you’re really in and out of the kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just need something quick between meetings, these Chicken Meatballs from Trader Joe’s totally deliver.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Make this easy Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe with a zesty lemon garlic Parmesan sauce—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal in just 20 minutes.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Serves 4
- Calories Per serving: Approximately 300 kcal
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and flavorful Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs (mini meatballs or frozen meatballs work great too!)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional variations: You can swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste, or use ground chicken to make homemade meatballs if you have some extra time. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

Instructions
Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps to cook up a delicious meal with Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs:
- Heat The Oil And Cook The Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set them aside. - Make The Sauce:
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet with the melted butter. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Once it’s fragrant (about 1 minute), add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms. - Add The Broth And Capers:
Add the chicken broth gradually, whisking to ensure no lumps form. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the capers for that punch of tangy flavor. - Finish With Lemon And Cheese:
Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth to reach your desired consistency. - Combine And Serve:
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, coating them well with the sauce. To combine the flavors, boil everything for a further two to three minutes. - Garnish And Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and serve! This dish is perfect with pasta, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips
- Go light on the capers if you’re not a fan of overly tangy flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Frozen meatballs work great too! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking for even browning.
- To keep things lower in carbs, you can serve these meatballs with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Leftovers tip: Store any extra meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Serving Suggestions
These Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs are so versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Toss them with some pasta (linguine or spaghetti works best) and let that sauce coat everything beautifully.
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Add them to a meatball bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a side of fresh greens.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and some crusty garlic bread for a balanced meal.
I can’t wait for you to try this easy Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe! It’s one of those meals that looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your feedback or any tweaks you made in the comments below.
And don’t forget to check out my other quick and delicious recipes here at Naznin’s Kitchen!

Easy 20-Minute Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pack Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs mini meatballs or frozen meatballs work great too!
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat The Oil And Cook The Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set them aside.
Make The Sauce:
- Add the minced garlic to the same skillet with the melted butter. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Once it’s fragrant (about 1 minute), add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
Add The Broth And Capers:
- Add the chicken broth gradually, whisking to ensure no lumps form. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the capers for that punch of tangy flavor.
Finish With Lemon And Cheese:
- Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Combine And Serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, coating them well with the sauce. To combine the flavors, boil everything for a further two to three minutes.
Garnish And Enjoy:
- Once everything is ready, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and serve! This dish is perfect with pasta, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad.
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