Description
These Chicken Piccata Meatballs combine tender, juicy ground chicken meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This Italian-inspired dish is both comforting and vibrant, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Sauce Base: While meatballs bake, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to start making the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Capers: Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and add the drained capers, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce.
- Simmer Together: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for about 5 to 7 minutes so they absorb the tart and savory flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely, giving the sauce a smooth, glossy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a few minutes longer before adding the meatballs.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice can affect the taste.
- Breadcrumb alternatives such as panko can be used for a lighter texture.
- This recipe freezes well; store meatballs and sauce separately for best results.