Quick & Tangy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe for Dinner

Chicken piccata meatballs bring a zesty twist to your dinner lineup.

Packed with bright lemon and tangy capers, these bite-sized delights pack serious flavor.

Classic Italian-inspired ingredients dance together in a playful culinary composition.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, each meatball promises a delectable experience.

Whipping up this recipe takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction await you in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Let’s turn an ordinary weeknight into a mouthwatering celebration of tasty goodness.

Best Tips for Chicken Piccata Meatballs

• Add a splash of milk or cream to the ground chicken mixture for extra tenderness and juiciness, preventing dry meatballs.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout.
• Lightly coat your hands with olive oil or water when forming meatballs to stop the mixture from clinging to your fingers and help create smooth, round shapes.
• Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal preference – start with less and taste, adding more to achieve the perfect tangy piccata flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Piccata Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when heated through.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

What to Serve with Chicken Piccata Meatballs

• Elevate Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Perfect Pairings
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy lemon and caper sauce, cutting through the richness of the meatballs with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Create Herbed Risotto Side: Prepare a creamy parmesan risotto with fresh herbs like thyme and basil, providing a luxurious backdrop that absorbs the piccata sauce while adding textural contrast.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Medley: Craft a colorful side of roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil and garlic, offering a light, caramelized accompaniment that balances the meatballs' robust flavor profile.
• Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Include a rustic Italian bread or sourdough to soak up the delicious piccata sauce, ensuring no flavorful drops are left behind and providing a delightful textural element to the meal.

Variations on Chicken Piccata Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same texture and flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Balls: Swap ground chicken with plant-based alternatives like mashed chickpeas, lentils, or meat substitutes to create a vegetarian-friendly option with similar piccata sauce.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Meatballs: Use grated zucchini and ground chicken with minimal breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content, keeping the classic piccata sauce for added flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Lamb Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken with ground lamb and add mint and oregano for a Mediterranean twist on the traditional piccata recipe.

FAQs

• Are chicken piccata meatballs spicy?

These meatballs are not spicy. They have a tangy, zesty flavor from lemon juice and capers, but no heat from hot peppers or spices.

• Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken. The recipe will remain very similar and taste almost identical.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs which have gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a replacement.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a golden brown exterior. Cutting one open should reveal no pink meat inside.

Why Quick & Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Work

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines classic piccata flavors with meatball format, creating a unique and exciting twist on traditional recipes that will surprise and delight taste buds.
• Delivers kid-approved protein packed with zesty lemon and herb notes that appeal to both adults and children, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Works wonderfully as an appetizer, main course, or party dish that can be easily scaled up for gatherings or scaled down for intimate dinners.

What You Need for Chicken Piccata Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean and tender base for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the mixture.

• Parsley, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Provide aromatic and seasoning elements.

• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Create the tangy piccata base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create sauce texture.
• Capers: Bring a classic piccata briny flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs.

Making Quick Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Minced garlic
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine everything thoroughly and roll into small bite-sized balls about one inch wide.

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Carefully place meatballs into the pan, avoiding overcrowding.

Cook in multiple batches if needed.

Rotate meatballs every few minutes to achieve golden-brown exterior.

Cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and centers are no longer pink.

Step 3: Create Tangy Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic.

Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring continuously.

• Drained capers
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce until slightly thickened and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently return cooked meatballs to the skillet.

Softly toss to coat each meatball completely with the vibrant piccata sauce.

Let them warm together for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to intermingle.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer meatballs to serving dish.

Drizzle remaining sauce over top.

Sprinkle additional fresh parsley for brightness.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home.

Quick & Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken piccata meatballs bring Italian zest to classic comfort food, elevating dinner with tangy lemon and bright herb notes. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make these morsels a perfect crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg (beaten)

Cheese and Breadcrumbs:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Piccata Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious blend of ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly integrate ingredients, then shape into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
2. Warm a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Carefully place meatballs, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in separate batches if needed, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensure complete internal cooking, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Utilize the same skillet by melting butter over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 60 seconds. Stream chicken broth and lemon juice, creating a vibrant liquid base. Elevate to a gentle simmer.
4. Incorporate capers and fresh parsley into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to reduce and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes, developing rich flavors.
5. Gently reintroduce meatballs to the skillet, delicately coating them in the piccata sauce. Warm for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the meatballs to absorb the tangy, robust sauce.
6. Elegantly plate the meatballs, drizzling remaining sauce over the top. Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Ensure meatballs are uniformly sized for even cooking, preventing some from being undercooked or overdone.
• Pat ground chicken dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and help meatballs hold their shape better.
• Use a light hand when mixing ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatballs – mix just until combined.
• For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 100mg