Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings the family together? Enter Chicken Piccata Meatballs—a delightful fusion of juicy meatballs and the zesty flavors of classic piccata. Imagine tender chicken meatballs, tangy lemon sauce, and savory capers making their way to your dinner table in under an hour. This dish is as satisfying as it sounds and will have your loved ones asking for seconds!

Did you know that piccata is an Italian word, meaning “to pierce”? This style of cooking often refers to thinly sliced meats, but in this case, we’ve reinvented it with meatballs. As simple as it is flavorful, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for gatherings with friends. If you enjoy comforting classics like spaghetti and meatballs but want to switch it up a bit, these Chicken Piccata Meatballs are just for you! So, dust off those cooking utensils, and let’s make dinnertime deliciously exciting!

What is Chicken Piccata Meatballs?

So why are we calling these scrumptious creations “Chicken Piccata Meatballs”? Well, it’s all about the combo of juicy chicken meatballs and that oh-so-tangy piccata sauce that infuses this dish with flavor! You could say it’s a playful culinary twist on the traditional piccata, where we add a touch of heartiness with meatballs. Did you know that in certain homes, chicken piccata is often the “secret weapon” to impress guests? You know what they say: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” Ready to give these meatballs a whirl? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata Meatballs

When it comes to dinnertime, you want something that your family will rave about—and that’s precisely where Chicken Piccata Meatballs come in! First, they bring together the tasty simplicity of traditional meatballs with the bright, zesty flavors of piccata. The lemon juice and capers enliven your palate and elevate the dish to something truly special.

Another fantastic benefit of making this recipe at home is the cost savings. With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you might already have—you can whip up a memorable meal without breaking the bank.

If you love the gripping flavors of Chicken Piccata, you’ll adore these meatballs, which draw inspiration from that recipe while adding a new twist. Perfectly paired with pasta or rice, they’re a hit at any table. So why not give this culinary adventure a try and create your own tasty memories?

How to Make Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Quick Overview

Making Chicken Piccata Meatballs is easy and incredibly satisfying! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a plateful of deliciousness that everyone will enjoy. The secret? Juicy meatballs enveloped in a rich, lemony sauce that gives each bite a lively kick. Let’s dive in!

Key Ingredients for Chicken Piccata Meatballs

To create these tantalizing meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands for the best mixing, shaping the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides—about 6-8 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Make the Sauce: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom for added flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine: Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing them in the sauce. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes to absorb all those zesty flavors.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve over pasta or rice for a complete meal.

What to Serve Chicken Piccata Meatballs With

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are three ideas:

1. Pasta: Thin spaghetti or linguine tossed with a bit of olive oil and garlic can soak up that luscious sauce.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Bright green veggies like asparagus or green beans add color and freshness to your meal.
3. Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up all that flavorful sauce, a slice of garlic bread or a soft baguette is always a hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Piccata Meatballs

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re short on breadcrumbs, crushed crackers work well. Feel free to swap ground chicken for turkey for a lighter option.
• Cook Evenly: Ensure all meatballs are roughly the same size for even cooking—this helps prevent any from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Give the wine time to cook down; this enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Should you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days.

When it’s time to reheat, simply place your meatballs in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or additional lemon juice to keep them moist. You can also microwave them until heated through; just make sure to cover them to avoid dryness.

By following these simple steps and enjoying this recipe, you’ll be on your way to crafting flavorful Chicken Piccata Meatballs that will bring smiles to your dinner table. So collect your ingredients and start your culinary adventure today!

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and bathed in a zesty lemon butter caper sauce. A fun and elegant twist on classic piccata — perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a bright and comforting meal.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Serves 4 makes ~20 meatballs
• For the meatballs:
• 500 g 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 60 g ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• Zest of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil if pan-frying
• For the piccata sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 250 ml 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp capers drained
• Optional: 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon slices or zest to serve

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Saucepan or sauté pan
• Whisk or spatula
• Oven (if baking) or stove

Method

 

1. Make the meatballs:
2. In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until well combined.
3. Form into 20 small meatballs (about 1 tbsp each).
4. Cook either by:
5. Pan-frying: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet and brown meatballs in batches, ~5–7 minutes total.
6. Baking: Place on a lined sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, turning once.
7. Make the sauce:
8. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
9. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer.
11. Optional: stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken slightly.
12. Simmer the meatballs:
13. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce. Spoon sauce over and let simmer for 5 minutes so flavors combine.
14. Serve:
15. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon zest or slices.
16. Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Make it creamier: Add 2 tbsp of cream or a splash of white wine for a richer sauce.

Use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken if preferred.

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days — reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.