Make these easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy ground chicken meatballs simmer in a bright, zesty lemon caper sauce, offering a fresh twist on a classic Italian flavor profile.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian Inspired
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18 to 20 meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to cook all sides until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the liquid to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Stir in the drained capers during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve these zesty lemon chicken meatballs over cooked orzo, spaghetti, or rice for a complete meal.
For a lighter option, serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fresh arugula salad.
If you prefer a slightly creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream after removing the pan from the heat.