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Homemade Chicken Piccata Meatballs (Weeknight Hack) recipe photo

Chicken Piccata Meatballs (Weeknight Hack)

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a quick and delicious weeknight dinner with juicy meatballs simmered in a bright lemon-caper sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Zester or fine grater (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate. You should get about 16 meatballs.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, leaving space to brown evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons capers. Bring sauce to a simmer.
  5. Return meatballs to the skillet, nestle into sauce, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Remove lid and stir in 1 tablespoon butter until melted, creating a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken for a similar result.
  • Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a hands-off cooking alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.