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+ servings

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Ready in just 30 minutes, these juicy Chicken Piccata Meatballs are simmered in a luscious lemon-caper sauce. Perfect when served over pasta or rice!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine like pinot grigio (or more chicken broth with a splash of white or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons capers drained
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Parmesan cheese optional for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Place the ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt and pepper into a mixing bowl. Use your hands to combine the mixture until everything is incorporated evenly.
  • Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop and roll the meatball mixture into 2-inch meatballs, about 16 meatballs total. If you prefer, you can use a 1-tablespoon scoop and make 32 1-inch meatballs instead.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until they form a golden crust on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes total (or 3 to 4 minutes if you made 1-inch meatballs). Place the meatballs on a plate and set aside. It’s okay if they aren’t fully cooked through, they will cook a little more later on when simmering in the sauce.
  • Using the same skillet, melt the butter and garlic over medium heat. Stir so the garlic doesn’t burn, scraping up any leftover bits from the meatballs. Add the white wine and allow it to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until it reduces slightly.
  • Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, and optional red pepper flakes, and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. If you like a thicker sauce, mix together 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the sauce.
  • Place the meatballs back into the skillet and coat them in the sauce. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for 4 to 6 minutes, until cooked through and an internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Serve meatballs right away with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare and roll the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead of time and tightly wrap them on a baking sheet or tray. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Freezing: Cook them fully, but do not prepare them with the sauce. Instead, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight and make and simmer in a fresh lemon-caper sauce before serving.