It’s been a bit since I have posted any sort of recipe situation, so I thought I’d come at you guys today with a bunch. All based from one simple, easy to find, and manipulate ingredient. Mini chicken meatballs from the freezer section of your grocery store!
Yes, I mean the ones you buy for your kids. I won’t lie, that is how I discovered the versatility of these little protein packed miracles. I was so tired of making (and cleaning up after) two lunches most days that I tried to find some easy to prep items that both the little guy and I would enjoy.
Obviously, if you are so inclined, you can make a big batch of homemade meatballs from scratch and freeze them. I’ve done that before, too. But during really busy seasons of life (aka back to school season), it’s okay to take some help from the grocery store. I love these by KidFresh (#notsponsored).
They are full of extra veggies and clean protein. They microwave in about a minute and they are crazy versatile. Once microwaved, they can be consumed immediately or packed in a lunch if kept properly chilled. Any of the following methods can be packed up for adult or kid lunches. The grain bowl and sandwich options are especially awesome for kids because you can pack them bento style and let your kids create their own.
Grain Bowls
I love me a good grain bowl. Everything I need for a healthful lunch on one plate (or, you know, bowl). I also like that these tend to incorporate lots of different textures. I use the chicken meatballs very often as my protein component when I am making grain bowls. I have made a Greek Falafel Bowl (farro or quinoa, roasted chickpeas and peppers, cucumber, spinach and a dill yogurt sauce), a Ratatouille Bowl (quinoa or brown rice, roasted red peppers, zucchini and yellow squash or eggplant, and mozzarella), and an Asian Bowl (brown rice, stir fried carrots, bell peppers and snow peas, and a peanut satay sauce) all with these little meatballs.
Mini Skewers
These are great for snacks or as appetizers for a crowd. Throw a mini meatball on a skewer with some roasted pepper and a spicy dipping sauce. Try them with red grapes and a mustard sauce or with olives and tadziki for some Mediterranean flair. You can also go super simple and thread your skewers with mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a fun twist on Caprese Salad.
Mini Sandwiches
Kids love tiny food, probably because it is just the right size for them. These mini meatballs make great tiny sandwiches, sliders, tacos, wraps, and the like. On mini rolls top as you would any other burger for sliders. You can make meatball parmigiana by topping flatbread with a meatball, spaghetti sauce, and melting cheese over the top. You can also make Asian or Mexican lettuce wraps. For Asian ones, use shredded carrot, cabbage, and peppers and drizzle with that peanut satay sauce I mentioned earlier. For Mexican, top your lettuce leaves with black beans, corn, salsa and a sprinkle of cheese.
Soup
Soup is always a great lunch option for when the weather turns cooler (which isn’t too far off depending upon where you live). These mini meatballs make Italian Wedding Soup a snap to prep and cook. Instead of needing to boil and shred a chicken and then make beef meatballs, cut out the labor and just throw in the mini meatballs with some carrots, escarole, celery, and ditalini or star pasta. Albondigas Soup is spicy meatball soup, so again, these premade freezer wonders will make your prep (and clean up) so much easier.
Premade and frozen chicken meatballs are an amazing time saver and super versatile. Most of the ideas I’ve mentioned here are taste approved by my three year old. They are also easily adaptable. I want salsa and my little guy doesn’t? One of your kiddos wants peppers and another doesn’t? Not a problem! And much like hiding veggies under cheese sauce, kids are much more likely to at least try their produce when it comes with meatballs.
How would you use premade chicken meatballs, tell me in the comments!
