Introduction
Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a fun twist on the classic Italian dish, Chicken Piccata. Instead of using whole chicken breasts, this recipe uses ground chicken shaped into small, tasty meatballs. These meatballs are cooked in a light lemon and caper sauce that’s full of flavor—tangy, buttery, and a little salty in the best way!
It’s the perfect recipe when you want something different for dinner that still feels comforting. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just yourself, Chicken Piccata Meatballs are sure to impress without being hard to make.
Ingredients – Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these delicious meatballs and the tangy sauce that goes with them:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 tablespoon capers (rinsed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Extra lemon slices or parsley for garnish
Step by Step Process – Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can follow along without getting lost.
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well blended. Don’t overmix or the meatballs might turn out too firm.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your hands to make meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1½ inches in size. 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 may need to do this in batches). Cook them for about 6–8 minutes, turning often, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to blend all the flavors.
Step 5: Add the Meatballs Back
Gently place the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs so they’re fully coated. Let them simmer together for another 3–4 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Piccata Meatballs with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if you’d like.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works great too. It has a similar texture and takes on the same flavors really well.
Q2: What can I serve with Chicken Piccata Meatballs?
These meatballs go well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. They’re also great in a sandwich!
Q3: Are capers necessary?
Capers give the dish its classic tangy and salty flavor. If you don’t have them, you can skip them, but the dish might taste a bit different.
Q4: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely. You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Just make sure to spray or lightly oil your baking sheet.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Q6: Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze cooked meatballs with or without the sauce. Just let them cool first and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. They’re easy to make, full of bright lemony flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special meals. The meatballs are juicy and tender, and the sauce is so good you’ll want to spoon it over everything!
Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, don’t worry—this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. Plus, it’s family-friendly, kid-approved, and totally delicious. So why not give it a try tonight? Let these Chicken Piccata Meatballs bring a little Italian sunshine to your dinner table!
