Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

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Say hello to your new favorite dinner twist: Chicken Piccata Meatballs! This dish combines the savory juiciness of tender chicken meatballs with the zesty brightness of classic piccata sauce. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed upgrade to a beloved Italian-American favorite that can be served over pasta, rice, or even a fresh bed of greens.

What makes these meatballs so special? They’re baked until golden, then simmered in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers that bursts with tangy richness. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve guests. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a lightened-up version of a classic, these meatballs have you covered.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken Piccata Meatballs?

Ground chicken is the go-to for this recipe, specifically a mix that isn’t too lean (avoid the 99% fat-free types). A little fat keeps the meatballs juicy and flavorful. If you can find ground chicken thigh meat, even better. And if you prefer a custom blend, you can grind boneless, skinless chicken thighs at home.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Piccata Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken (not 99% lean)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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How To Make the Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs can become tough.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Piccata Sauce

While the meatballs bake, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Meatballs to the Sauce

Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer for another 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally so they soak up the flavors. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the meatballs and serve immediately. These pair beautifully with spaghetti, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious lemony sauce.

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Serving and Storing Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Chicken Piccata Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot over angel hair pasta for a classic presentation or spoon them atop creamy mashed potatoes for something cozy. For a lighter meal, try pairing them with sautéed spinach or a simple arugula salad.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. These meatballs also freeze beautifully—just cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep chicken meatballs from falling apart?

Use a binder like breadcrumbs and egg to help the meatballs hold their shape. Mixing just until combined and chilling the mixture for 10-15 minutes can also help.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Absolutely. Ground turkey (preferably thigh meat) makes a great substitute and keeps the same flavor profile when paired with the lemony piccata sauce.

What can I substitute for capers?

If capers aren’t your thing, try chopped green olives or omit them entirely. You’ll still get great flavor from the lemon and garlic.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but it’s easy to adapt. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully cook the meatballs and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat in the sauce just before serving.

What type of lemon juice is best?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch but lacks the same vibrant zing.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed these Chicken Piccata Meatballs, you’re going to love these flavor-packed dishes from the site:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight for a rich, romantic dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want something fast and comforting.
• Marry Me Chicken for a skillet-style twist on classic creamy chicken.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta if you’re craving something bold and hearty.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a fuss-free, family-friendly meal.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever the craving strikes.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add a twist to the sauce or serve it over something unique? Let me know in the comments.

For even more fresh dinner ideas, check out my Pinterest page: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

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