Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re transforming a beloved classic into a modern, delectable dish that’s perfect for any occasion: Chicken Piccata Meatballs. This recipe combines the tangy, buttery flavors of traditional chicken piccata with the convenience and fun of meatballs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the vibrant flavors of lemon and capers combined with the richness of a buttery sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. Plus, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 stick butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup capers + 2 tbsp caper brine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester
• Large sauté pan
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Serving dish

Directions

Making the Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, salt, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Form the Meatballs: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball, roll the mixture into balls.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs. Cook for about 6 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure they brown evenly. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Make the Roux: In the same pan, add the butter and minced garlic. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux.
2. Add the Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Then, add the capers, caper brine, and lemon juice. Simmer the sauce for 6-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

Combining Everything

1. Finish the Dish: Add the meatballs back into the pan with the sauce. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are fully coated and heated through.
2. Serve: Serve the meatballs over your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetable noodles. Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Substitutions: If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey works just as well. For a vegetarian option, you can use mashed chickpeas or lentils as a base.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding some sautéed spinach or kale to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour if you need a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Food and Drink Pairings

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
• Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the tangy flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

If you loved this Chicken Piccata Meatballs recipe, you’ll definitely want to try our unique twist on a dessert classic with our Homemade Apple Pie Egg Rolls!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs? A: Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use fresh lemon instead of lemon juice? A: Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice adds a brighter, fresher flavor to the sauce.

Q: How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart? A: Ensure your mixture is well combined and not too wet. Adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help bind the mixture together.

Call to Action

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Chicken Piccata Meatballs as much as I do! If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!

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