Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish! Imagine tender and juicy chicken meatballs, infused with zesty lemon and briny capers, all coated in a rich and savory sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and capers creates a flavorful and zesty meatball that’s enhanced by the rich and savory sauce.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Serve these Chicken Piccata Meatballs with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. They’re also great for meal prepping or freezing for later.
• Lighter Option: Made with ground chicken, these meatballs are a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: A lean and healthy protein source for the meatballs.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the meatballs.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that add a light and crispy texture to the meatballs.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory kick.
• Lemon zest: Adds a bright and zesty lemon flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for frying the meatballs.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced and adds another layer of garlic flavor to the sauce.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and forms the base of the sauce.
• Capers: Adds a briny and salty flavor to the sauce.
• Caper brine: Adds a concentrated caper flavor and acidity to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, salt, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into about 20 meatballs, using 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball.

Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.

Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the capers, caper brine, and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked meatballs back to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
2. Serve the Chicken Piccata Meatballs hot over cooked pasta or rice, or enjoy them as is.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Brown the meatballs evenly: Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice provide a more potent and flavorful sauce compared to their dried or powdered counterparts.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to reduce.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How to Serve

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are delicious with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Toss the meatballs and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
• Rice: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for chicken and a great way to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey?

Yes, you can! Ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey would also work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can! However, panko breadcrumbs will give the meatballs a lighter and airier texture.

3. Can I make this recipe without the capers?

Yes, you can! The capers add a briny and salty flavor, but you can omit them if you don’t like their taste.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the meatballs?

Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the meatball mixture.

This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a fun twist. With its flavorful meatballs, rich sauce, and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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