Description

Chicken Piccata Meatballs bring a comforting twist to the classic Italian-American dish, blending tender chicken meatballs with the zesty, tangy flavors of lemon and capers. This dish is a perfect combination of light yet hearty, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or dinner parties alike. Serve these meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 egg, beaten
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Piccata Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs. You should get about 12-14 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Piccata Sauce:

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Capers: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add capers and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish the Dish:

Return Meatballs to Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the meatballs and serve hot with your preferred side dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 400-450 kcal
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g