Juicy chicken piccata meatballs served with an irresistible buttery lemon and caper sauce. on the table in just 30 minutes!
This family favorite dinner can be prepared in a mere 5 minutes. The fresh zesty flavors just simply burst into your mouth.
Chicken piccata meatballs are the ultimate super easy dinner for a family: guaranteed big smiles.
Softened chicken meatballs flavored with parsley, parmesan, and garlic and then served with the mind-blowingly delicious chicken piccata lemon caper sauce!
This is most definitely a winner-winner, chicken dinner with ALL the family!
I can honestly say that my family simply cannot get enough of meatballs and they feature extremely high on our weekly meal rotation.
From baked chicken parma balls to Thai chicken meatballs, and creamy pork meatballs to baked chicken meatballs with creamy lemon risoni, they are just deliciously fuss-free dinners all kids will love too!
For those who have a dear fondness for the original flavors of Chicken Piccata but want something new, the Chicken Piccata Meatballs are the solution to your quest.
It takes the crispy, tangy lemon, the briny capers, and the buttery sauce of traditional Chicken Piccata and packages these with tender juicy chicken meatballs. Recommended for an easy yet fancy dinner!
Whether you serve them over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, it’s a real winner in all ways. Not only does this dish deliver the kind of bold flavors that spice lovers dream of, but it’s also easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Piccata Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken meatballs:
- All ingredients, including ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, egg, salt, and pepper, should be combined in a large bowl; mix just to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the mixture with a spoon or your hands into 1-1.5 inch meatballs. You should be able to get about 16-18 meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat the medium heat over 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, hurl the meatballs into the skillet, do not overcrowd them. Cook until browned and flip them. About 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the meatballs from the skillet to the plate and set aside.
Prepare the Piccata Sauce:
- Heat the same pan with low flames and add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the butter is melted and fragrant,.
- Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and deglaze the pan by stirring up the browned bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes in order to let the flavors come together.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Mix the Meatballs with the Sauce:
- Put back the cooked chicken meatballs into the skillet, and toss gently to coat lemon-caper sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb those tangy flavors with the buttery taste.
- Take the pan off the stove and sprinkle some fresh parsley on it. For a splash of color, freshness, and extra presentation, put lemon slices on the dish as garnishing.
Serving and Garnishing:
Serve these Chicken Piccata Meatballs over your favorite side dish. They’re gorgeous over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Spoon extra sauce over the top and enjoy!
Chicken Piccata Meatballs are versatile enough, and indeed it is a matter of choice as to how you should serve them. Here are a few ideas:
Over Pasta: The tangy sauce will go beautifully with spaghetti, linguine, or pasta of your choice. Just toss the pasta with a little olive oil or butter and top it with the meatballs and sauce.
Serve the meatballs with rice, gluten-free, to be sure that the sauce penetrates into the grains.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes complement a tangy, lemony sauce as a comfort food dish.
Roasted Vegetables For a light meal, try ordering meatballs served with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and green beans.
Tips on How to Make Chicken Piccata Meatballs:
Do Not Overmix the Meat: Once you’ve combined all of the ingredients for your meatballs, mix just until combined. The more that you overmix, the tougher your meatballs are going to become.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. They need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C.
Thin sauce with some more chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick. If it becomes too thin, then cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
Dairy-Free Option: If you are lactose intolerant, omit the Parmesan cheese on the meatballs and use extra olive oil instead of butter in the sauce. There will be great flavor nonetheless.
FAQS:
Can I freeze chicken piccata meatballs?
YES.
Can I Make Chicken Piccata Meatballs Ahead of Time?
YES
CONCLUSION:
With the bright lemon sauce, savory capers, and tender chicken meatballs, this meal is both satisfying and light, perfect for any night of the week. And with the option to serve over pasta, rice, or veggies, these meatballs are sure to enter into your repertoire as a new favorite.