Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Dinner Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatball Dinner is a simple and nutritious sheet pan meal, which features savory chicken meatballs and roasted root vegetables. It’s a complete dinner with minimal cleanup, ready in about 35 minutes.

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Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Dinner Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs (refrigerated or frozen)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 large zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Balsamic glaze or pesto (optional, for drizzling)

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Dinner

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the hard veggies: Place the diced sweet potato and red onion wedges on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with half of the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread them out in a single layer.
3. Initial roast: Roast the sweet potatoes and onions for 15 minutes. (Sweet potatoes take longer to cook than zucchini and meatballs, so they need a head start).
4. Prep the soft veggies: While the potatoes roast, toss the chopped bell pepper and zucchini slices in a bowl with another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining seasonings.
5. Combine: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the potatoes and onions to the side or mix them around to make space. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and the chicken meatballs to the tray. (If using frozen meatballs, they go in now; if using refrigerated, they will warm through perfectly in this time).
6. Final roast: Drizzle the meatballs with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to help them brown. Return the tray to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes.
7. Check doneness: The dinner is ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, the zucchini is roasted but not mushy, and the meatballs are heated through and golden brown.
8. Serve: Divide the roasted vegetables and meatballs among serving plates. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Vegetable timing: Grouping vegetables by cooking time is the secret to sheet pan success. Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots) always go in first. Softer vegetables (peppers, zucchini, asparagus) go in later.
• Meatball variety: Trader Joe’s offers Italian Style and Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs. Both work well. If using the “Ginger” flavor, swap the Italian herbs for ginger powder and drizzle with teriyaki sauce instead of balsamic.
• Crowding: Use the largest sheet pan you have. If the vegetables are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two pans.
• Cheese topping: For a cheesy finish, sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan over the meatballs during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Dinner

This is a complete meal, but you can bulk it up.

• Quinoa or Rice: Serve the roasted mix over grains.
• Green Salad: A simple side salad adds freshness.
• Tzatziki: A yogurt dip pairs well with the roasted veggies.
• Hummus: Serve on the side for dipping.

How To Store Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Dinner

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in meal prep containers for up to 4 days. This recipe is excellent for weekly lunches.
• Reheat: Microwave for 2 minutes or reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the vegetables again.
• Freeze: Freezing roasted zucchini is not recommended as it becomes mushy, but the meatballs and sweet potatoes freeze well.

Trader Joes Chicken Meatball Dinner Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturates: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Salt: 0.8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings).

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