Introduction
If you love tasty meals that are both easy to make and full of flavor, then Chicken Piccata Meatballs might just become your new favorite dish. This recipe takes the classic lemony, buttery flavors of chicken piccata and gives them a fun twist by turning them into meatballs.
These meatballs are juicy, tender, and cooked in a delicious sauce made with lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually super simple to cook — perfect for family dinners or even meal prep. Plus, you can serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a full meal. Let’s dive into how to make it from scratch!
Ingredients – Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make Chicken Piccata Meatballs. You can find these in almost any kitchen or grocery store.
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (grated lemon peel)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Piccata Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- 2 tablespoons capers (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Process – Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Let’s break this down step by step so it’s super easy to follow.
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Parsley (if using)
- Salt and pepper
Use clean hands or a spoon to gently combine everything. Don’t over-mix or the meatballs might turn out too tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into small balls. You should get around 16–20 meatballs, depending on the size.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning gently, until golden on all sides and fully cooked inside.
Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Piccata Sauce
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
To make the sauce a little thicker, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Stir well and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Meatballs Back In
Gently place the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 3–5 minutes so they soak up all that delicious flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and your Chicken Piccata Meatballs are ready to serve! You can enjoy them over spaghetti, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a bed of roasted veggies.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300–350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Vitamin C | 8% of daily value |
| Calcium | 10% of daily value |
| Iron | 8% of daily value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and has a similar texture. Just make sure it’s not too lean, or the meatballs might dry out.
Q2: What are capers, and do I need them?
Capers are small, salty flower buds often used in Mediterranean dishes. They add a nice tangy kick to the sauce. If you don’t have capers, you can skip them or use chopped green olives as a substitute.
Q3: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely! You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Then finish by adding them to the sauce.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Just skip the Parmesan cheese and butter, and use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a fun and easy way to enjoy the bright, zesty flavors of traditional chicken piccata in bite-sized form. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh lemon, and savory capers makes this dish perfect for any night of the week.
Even better? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills to pull this off. It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters might love. So whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something different for dinner, give these meatballs a try.
