Description
These Homemade Chicken Piccata Meatballs combine tender, flavorful ground chicken meatballs with a zesty lemon-caper sauce. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they are a delightful twist on classic chicken piccata, perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 stick butter (4 tbsp)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tbsp caper brine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, salt, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Piccata Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Reduce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Add the capers, caper brine, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs. Serve immediately, ideally over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and tender compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best bright citrus flavor in the sauce.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness in the dish, especially with capers adding salty notes.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives like almond or rice flour.
- Serve with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious piccata sauce.