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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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