Description
Juicy, golden-browned Chicken Piccata Meatballs simmered in a rich lemon butter caper sauce make this quick dinner both elegant and easy. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of classic chicken piccata into meatball form—perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or make-ahead meal prep. If you're looking for dinner ideas that balance comforting texture with bright, bold flavor, this easy recipe has it all. Great as a healthy snack, party food, or part of your go-to dinner ideas rotation.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
3/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
Extra lemon zest and parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Form into 1½-inch meatballs and set aside on a tray.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up brown bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Return meatballs to skillet, add capers, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked through.
7. (Optional) Mix cornstarch and water, stir into sauce, and simmer 1–2 more minutes to thicken.
8. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—this keeps them tender.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
If your sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken meatballs, lemon caper sauce, meal prep, quick dinner