Description
This Saucy Chicken Piccata Meatballs recipe features tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a zesty lemon, caper, and garlic sauce. Perfectly browned and bursting with Italian-American flavors, these meatballs make a delicious main course that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup capers, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the piccata sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and rinsed capers. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the tablespoon of flour gradually until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the bright flavors of the lemon and capers.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the meatballs just before serving. Serve the saucy chicken piccata meatballs alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- These meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a hearty meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and either omit the flour or substitute with cornstarch for thickening.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and capers to suit your taste preference if you desire a more subtle piccata flavor.
