How to Cook Costco Chicken Meatballs

Costco sells Amylu Chicken Meatballs in the refrigerated deli section. They come fully cooked.

You just need to heat them up. That’s it.

Most people grab these for quick weeknight dinners or batch cooking on Sundays. The 46-ounce package feeds a family of four about three times, which makes meal planning way easier.

This guide covers four cooking methods. Times range from 45 seconds (microwave) to 4 hours (slow cooker). Pick based on how much time you have and whether you want crispy edges or tender meatballs.

Product Details

Product: Amylu Chicken Meatballs with Basil and Parmesan

Type: Fully cooked, refrigerated (not frozen)

Package Size: 2.88 lbs / 46 oz (approximately 60 meatballs)

Price: $14.99 at Costco (Updated December 2024)

Storage: Refrigerate until use-by date or freeze up to 6 months

Calories per Serving: 160 (4 meatballs)

Main Ingredients: Chicken raised without antibiotics, parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, Italian seasonings

Item Number: 1708634

Cooking Methods Comparison

Method	Time	Equipment	Result	Best For
Air Fryer	6–8 min	Air fryer basket	Crispy outside, juicy inside	Best texture
Oven	15–20 min	Baking sheet	Even browning	Large batches
Stovetop	8–10 min	Skillet	Browned with sauce	Pasta dishes
Microwave	40–45 sec	Microwave-safe plate	Soft texture	Quick meals
Slow Cooker	2–4 hours	Crockpot with sauce	Tender, sauce-infused	Party appetizers

Recommended Method: Air fryer at 375 degrees F for crispiest texture in under 10 minutes

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

Air frying gives you that crispy outside with a tender center. Takes about 6-8 minutes total. Works great for 12-20 meatballs at a time without crowding.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Meatballs?

No prep needed. Pull them straight from the package.

Instructions:

1. Remove meatballs from vacuum-sealed pouch
2. Place in single layer in air fryer basket (do not stack)

Equipment: Air fryer basket, optional parchment liner

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat to 375 degrees F. Cook for 6-8 minutes depending on your air fryer model.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F
2. Cook 6-8 minutes until golden brown and heated through

Temperature: 375 degrees F

Time: 6-8 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Shake the Basket?

Shake once at the halfway point. This gets all sides browned evenly.

Instructions:

1. Shake basket at 3-4 minute mark
2. Check for even browning on all sides

Checkpoint: At 4 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

Look for golden brown color with light char marks. Internal temp should read 165 degrees F.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature with food thermometer
2. Look for crispy golden exterior
3. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Golden brown with visible browning on edges

Method 2: Oven Baking

Best choice when cooking the entire package at once. Set it and forget it for 15-20 minutes. Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Oven Cooking?

Line your baking sheet. Spread meatballs in a single layer with space between each one.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325-375 degrees F
2. Line sheet pan with parchment paper or foil
3. Arrange meatballs in single layer with gaps between

Equipment: Sheet pan, parchment paper, food thermometer

Step 2: What Oven Temperature Works Best?

325 degrees F gives you even heating. Go up to 375 degrees F if you want more browning.

Instructions:

1. Place baking sheet on middle rack
2. Bake 15-20 minutes until heated through

Temperature: 325-375 degrees F

Time: 15-20 minutes

Step 3: Should You Flip the Meatballs?

Turn them once halfway through for even browning on all sides.

Instructions:

1. Flip or roll meatballs at 10 minute mark
2. Check for browning progress

Checkpoint: At 10 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

Internal temp of 165 degrees F. Meatballs should be browned and steaming when cut open.

Instructions:

1. Insert food thermometer into center of largest meatball
2. Look for light browning on exterior
3. Cut one open to verify steam rises

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Light golden brown, steaming when cut

Method 3: Stovetop Skillet

Use this when making spaghetti and meatballs or adding them to marinara sauce. You get nice browning plus sauce absorption in about 10 minutes.

Step 1: How Do You Set Up the Skillet?

Use a nonstick pan or cast iron skillet. Add a little oil to help with browning.

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in 10-inch skillet
2. Set burner to medium heat (setting 5 out of 10)

Equipment: Nonstick skillet or cast iron pan, spatula

Step 2: What Heat Level and Cooking Time?

Medium heat for 8-10 minutes total. Too high and the outside burns before the center heats up.

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs to heated skillet
2. Cook 5 minutes, then add 1/2 cup water to steam
3. Continue cooking 3-5 more minutes until water evaporates

Temperature: Medium heat

Time: 8-10 minutes total

Step 3: How Often Should You Turn Them?

Roll them around every 2-3 minutes. This browns all sides evenly.

Instructions:

1. Turn meatballs every 2-3 minutes
2. Watch for browning on multiple sides

Checkpoint: Every 2-3 minutes

Step 4: When Are They Ready to Serve?

Browned on all sides with internal temp at 165 degrees F. Add your sauce in the last few minutes if desired.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
2. Add marinara or other sauce in final 2-3 minutes if desired
3. Serve immediately

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Browned spots on multiple sides, sizzling in pan

Method 4: Microwave (Fastest)

When you need meatballs in under a minute. Works fine but you lose that crispy texture. Good for quick lunches or when the kids are starving.

Step 1: How Do You Arrange Them?

Space them out on the plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

Instructions:

1. Place 4 meatballs on microwave-safe plate
2. Arrange in circle, not touching each other
3. Cover with damp paper towel or microwave cover

Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, paper towel or cover

Step 2: What Power and Time Settings?

High power for 40-45 seconds per 4 meatballs. Add 15-20 seconds for every additional 4.

Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH for 40-45 seconds (4 meatballs)
2. Let stand 30 seconds before serving

Temperature: HIGH (100% power)

Time: 40-45 seconds per 4 meatballs

Step 3: Should You Rotate Them?

For more than 4 meatballs, stop halfway and rearrange. This helps with uneven microwave heating.

Instructions:

1. For 8+ meatballs, stop at halfway point
2. Rearrange so outer meatballs move to center

Checkpoint: At 20-25 second mark for larger portions

Step 4: How Can You Tell They’re Done?

Cut one open. It should be steaming hot throughout with no cold center.

Instructions:

1. Cut one meatball in half
2. Check that it steams when opened
3. If cold in center, microwave additional 15 seconds

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Steam rising when cut open

Method 5: Slow Cooker

Perfect for party appetizers or when you want meatballs soaking in sauce all day. Set it on low and come back to tender, flavor-packed meatballs.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Slow Cooking?

Always use a sauce. These meatballs need liquid to prevent drying out over hours of cooking.

Instructions:

1. Pour one jar of marinara, teriyaki, or BBQ sauce into slow cooker
2. Add meatballs and stir to coat

Equipment: Slow cooker (crockpot), serving spoon

Step 2: What Temperature Setting and Duration?

Low for 2-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Since they’re precooked, you’re mainly infusing flavor.

Instructions:

1. Cover and set to LOW for 2-4 hours
2. Or set to HIGH for 1-2 hours

Temperature: LOW setting preferred

Time: 2-4 hours on LOW, 1-2 hours on HIGH

Step 3: When Should You Stir?

Once at the halfway mark to redistribute sauce and check progress.

Instructions:

1. Stir gently at halfway point
2. Add splash of water if sauce looks thick

Checkpoint: At 1-2 hour mark (on LOW)

Step 4: How Do You Know They’re Ready?

Meatballs should be hot throughout and sauce should be bubbling around edges.

Instructions:

1. Check that meatballs are heated through (165 degrees F)
2. Switch to WARM setting for serving
3. Serve with toothpicks for appetizers

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Sauce bubbling, meatballs hot when pierced

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum for chicken
• Steam Check: Should steam when cut open
• Thawing: If frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight or use immediately from frozen (add 2-3 minutes cooking time)

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Light golden brown exterior
• Texture: Crispy outside (air fryer/oven), tender inside
• Temperature: Hot throughout, 165 degrees F internal
• Appearance: No pink center when cut open

Signs of Overcooking:

• Dry, crumbly texture
• Dark brown or charred exterior
• Shrinkage more than 20%

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 4-6 meatballs per serving (approximately 15 servings per package)

Serving Ideas:

• Spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce over pasta
• Meatball sub sandwich on hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella
• Rice bowls with teriyaki glaze and steamed vegetables
• Party appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauces
• Low-carb option over spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice

Pairing Recommendations:

• Pair with Costco frozen vegetables for a complete meal
• Serve alongside Costco garlic bread for Italian night
• Add to Kirkland tortellini for a quick pasta dish
• Goes well with Costco jasmine rice for Asian-style meals

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Can freeze cooked meatballs up to 2 months

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: 30-45 seconds on HIGH, covered
• Stovetop: 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat in sauce
• Oven: 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees F
• Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Meatballs are dry after cooking

Cause: Overcooked or cooked without moisture

Solution: Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Cover with damp paper towel in microwave. Add sauce when using stovetop method.

Issue: Uneven heating (cold spots in center)

Cause: Overcrowded cooking surface or not rotating

Solution: Leave space between meatballs. Shake air fryer basket or turn meatballs halfway through. Use food thermometer to verify 165 degrees F.

Issue: Meatballs stick to air fryer basket

Cause: Dry basket surface

Solution: Lightly spray basket with cooking oil or use parchment liner with holes. The Amylu meatballs have enough fat that sticking is rare, but older air fryer baskets may need help.

Issue: Texture too soft (no crispiness)

Cause: Using microwave or slow cooker methods

Solution: Switch to air fryer for crispy results. If using oven, increase temp to 375 degrees F for final 5 minutes.

Product Variations and Related Items

Costco Chicken Meatball Varieties:

• Amylu Basil and Parmesan (Item 1708634) – Original Italian flavor
• Amylu Teriyaki and Pineapple – Sweet and savory Asian style
• Amylu Hot Honey (Item 1729617) – Sweet heat with jalapeno kick
• Amylu Cranberry Jalapeno – Seasonal holiday flavor

Similar Costco Products:

• Kirkland Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs – Frozen 6 lb bag, larger serving size
• Costco turkey meatballs – Leaner protein option
• Just Bare chicken nuggets – Another popular chicken product

Cooking Time Adjustments:

• Teriyaki and Pineapple variety: Same times, watch for caramelization from sugars
• Cooking from frozen: Add 2-3 minutes to all methods
• Mini meatballs: Reduce time by 2-3 minutes

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Air Fryer when:

• You want crispiest texture
• Cooking 12-20 meatballs
• You have 8-10 minutes

Choose Oven when:

• Cooking entire package at once
• Meal prepping for the week
• You want hands-off cooking

Choose Stovetop when:

• Making spaghetti and meatballs
• Adding directly to sauce
• You want browned edges

Choose Microwave when:

• Speed matters most
• Heating 4-8 meatballs only
• Texture is less important

Choose Slow Cooker when:

• Making party appetizers
• You want sauce-infused flavor
• Keeping warm for extended serving

Time Comparison: Microwave (45 sec) < Air Fryer (6-8 min) < Stovetop (8-10 min) < Oven (15-20 min) < Slow Cooker (2-4 hours)

Texture Ranking: Air Fryer (crispiest) > Stovetop (medium crisp) > Oven (even) > Slow Cooker (tender) > Microwave (soft)

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Chicken Meatballs

Are Costco Chicken Meatballs Already Cooked?

Yes. Amylu chicken meatballs from Costco are fully cooked and precooked.

You just need to heat them up before serving. This makes them perfect for quick dinner ideas and weeknight meals when time is tight.

What Temperature Do You Cook Costco Chicken Meatballs?

For oven baking, use 325-375 degrees F. Air fryer works best at 375 degrees F.

Stovetop uses medium heat. Always verify internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F with a food thermometer before serving.

How Long Do You Cook Costco Chicken Meatballs in the Air Fryer?

Cook at 375 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through.

This method produces crispy meatballs with a tender inside. The air fryer delivers the best texture for these Italian seasoned meatballs.

Can You Cook Costco Chicken Meatballs From Frozen?

Yes. If you froze the meatballs, add 2-3 minutes to cooking times.

Air fryer takes 10-12 minutes from frozen. Oven needs 20-25 minutes. No thawing required for these frozen meatball cooking methods.

How Do You Heat Amylu Chicken Meatballs in the Microwave?

Place 4 meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel.

Heat on HIGH for 40-45 seconds. This is the fastest method but produces softer texture compared to oven or air fryer meatballs.

Can You Put Costco Chicken Meatballs in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely. Add meatballs to your crockpot with marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki.

Cook on LOW for 2-4 hours. This slow cooker method works great for party appetizers and meatball appetizer platters.

What Sauce Goes Best With Costco Chicken Meatballs?

Marinara sauce is classic for spaghetti and meatballs. The basil and parmesan flavor pairs perfectly with Italian sauces.

Also try pesto, teriyaki glaze, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce depending on your meal.

How Long Do Costco Chicken Meatballs Last in the Fridge?

Unopened package lasts until the use-by date, about 6 weeks from purchase.

Once opened, consume within 4 days. Cooked leftovers stay good 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 months.

How Many Calories Are in Costco Chicken Meatballs?

Four meatballs contain 160 calories with 17 grams of protein. Only 2 grams of carbs.

This makes them a solid lean protein option for meal prep. Sodium runs high at 610mg per serving though.

What Can You Serve With Costco Chicken Meatballs?

Serve over pasta, rice bowls, or spaghetti squash for low-carb meals.

They work as meatball sub sandwiches on hoagie rolls. For kid friendly meals, pair with Costco mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook Costco chicken meatballs takes about five minutes of reading and even less time in the kitchen.

The air fryer method delivers the crispiest results in under 10 minutes. Oven baking handles batch cooking for family meal planning. Slow cooker works best for party food ideas.

These Amylu meatballs offer solid nutritional information with 17 grams of protein per serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pick your method based on time and texture preference. Then pair with your favorite sauce and sides for a satisfying weeknight dinner.