Description
These Saucy Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, featuring tender ground chicken infused with Parmesan and herbs, bathed in a tangy lemon caper sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra chopped parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–6 minutes.
- If using, stir in cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the sauce. Add baked meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken.
- This dish pairs perfectly with angel hair pasta or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
