Marta chicken meatballs are a delicious and nutritious frozen food item made by Marta Foods. As the name suggests, these meatballs are made primarily from chicken and are a great high-protein, low-fat option for meals. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly Marta chicken meatballs are, their ingredients and nutrition information, how they are prepared and cooked, how they taste, where to buy them, and some serving suggestions.
What are the main ingredients in Marta chicken meatballs?
The primary ingredient in Marta chicken meatballs is chicken. This includes both chicken breast meat and chicken thigh meat. Using a blend of breast and thigh meat provides a good balance of leanness from the breast meat and flavor from the thigh meat. Beyond chicken, the other main ingredients are:
- Water
- Breadcrumbs
- Soy protein concentrate
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Spices and seasonings
The meatballs contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. They are gluten-free and do not contain any major allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soybeans. The full ingredient list printed on the package is as follows:
Chicken breast with rib meat, chicken thigh meat, water, breadcrumbs (wheat flour, sugar, yeast, salt), soy protein concentrate, vegetable oil (canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil), salt, dehydrated onion, spices, garlic powder, lemon juice powder (lemon juice, maltodextrin), natural flavors, yeast extract, vinegar, citric acid.
What is the nutrition information for Marta chicken meatballs?
Marta chicken meatballs are a nutritious choice, as seen in the nutrition facts table below. A 4-ounce serving provides 140 calories, 9g of protein and just 3.5g of fat. They are an excellent source of protein and are low in saturated fat and sodium.
| Nutrition Facts | Per 4 meatballs (84g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 3.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 9g |
How are Marta chicken meatballs prepared and cooked?
Marta chicken meatballs arrive frozen so you simply need to follow the cooking instructions on the package. They can be prepared in a few different ways:
- Oven baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place frozen meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning over halfway through, until browned on the outside and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165°F.
- Skillet: Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add frozen meatballs and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Slow cooker: Add frozen meatballs to a slow cooker and cover with your desired sauce. Cook on low setting for 3-4 hours until meatballs are cooked through.
- Microwave: Place frozen meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Use this method to quickly thaw before oven baking or sautéing.
What do fully cooked Marta chicken meatballs taste like?
When prepared, Marta chicken meatballs have a delicious flavor and texture. Here are some tasting notes:
- The chicken flavor shines through since chicken is the prime ingredient.
- They have a nice blend of savory seasoning that provides a complex, non-bland taste.
- The texture is juicy and tender thanks to the blend of breast and thigh meat.
- They have a soft, smooth inside similar to ground chicken.
- The exterior gets lightly browned and crispy from cooking.
- They pair very well with savory sauces from tomato-based to creamy.
- Each meatball has about a 1-inch diameter—a good hearty size.
Overall, the meatballs have a simple homestyle taste and hold up well in soups, pastas, rice bowls and other dishes.
Where can I buy Marta chicken meatballs?
Marta chicken meatballs can be found in the frozen food aisle of many major grocery stores in the United States. Some specific retailers that carry them include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Albertsons
- HEB
- Meijer
- Harris Teeter
They are usually stocked alongside other frozen meatballs and meat entrees. Marta chicken meatballs come in a few different package sizes:
| Package Size | Number of Meatballs |
|---|---|
| 12 oz | 20 meatballs |
| 24 oz | 40 meatballs |
| 48 oz | 80 meatballs |
The 48 oz bulk package offers the best value per meatball. You may also be able to find Marta chicken meatballs through select online grocery delivery services.
How can I use Marta chicken meatballs in recipes?
These versatile pre-cooked meatballs can be used in all sorts of easy, delicious recipes. Here are some serving suggestion ideas:
- Pasta dishes: Toss meatballs with pasta, marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. Bake or simmer on the stovetop until heated through.
- Sandwiches: Pile meatballs on sub rolls topped with melted provolone cheese and marinara sauce for juicy meatball subs.
- Soups: Add to hearty bean or vegetable soups and simmer until warmed through.
- Meatball skewers: Alternate meatballs and vegetables like peppers and onions on skewers and grill or broil until browned.
- Breakfast: Enjoy meatballs on their own or in breakfast bowls mixed with veggies, eggs and potatoes.
- Salads: Top vibrant grain and veggie salads with meatballs for a protein punch.
For even more recipe ideas, check the packaging or Marta Food’s website. The pre-cooked meatballs allow you to skip lengthy preparation so you can get dinner on the table quickly.
Conclusion
Marta chicken meatballs are a versatile, nutritious and flavorful poultry product made from a blend of chicken breast and thigh meat. They contain minimal ingredients and no artificial additives. Boasting 9g of protein and just 140 calories per serving, they make for a lighter, leaner alternative to beef and pork meatballs. You can find Marta chicken meatballs in the frozen section of major grocery chains and use them in all kinds of simple meals from pastas to salads. Their convenience, taste and nutrition make them an excellent staple to keep stocked in your freezer.