Chicken Piccata Meatballs: A Lemon-Infused Comfort Dish
These tender, garlicky chicken meatballs are servedin a rich, lemony piccata sauce, making them a perfect comfort meal for anynight of the week. Serve with pasta or bread for a complete, flavorful dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 1–2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional, for a creamy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices optional, for garnish
Prepare the Meatballs : In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
Cook the Meatballs : Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce : In the same skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve : Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Keyword Chicken piccata meatballs