Description
These Chicken Piccata Meatballs combine tender ground chicken with zesty lemon, capers, and a buttery sauce for a flavorful twist on classic Italian piccata. Baked meatballs are simmered in a tangy sauce that melts in your mouth, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce base: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the sauce.
- Add liquids and capers: Stir in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and drained capers. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes so they absorb the flavors of the lemon and capers.
- Finish sauce: Stir in unsalted butter until it melts completely, creating a smooth, glossy sauce coating the meatballs.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the meatballs for a pop of color and flavor, then serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken to alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce to avoid undercooked poultry.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess in the sauce.
