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Easy One-Pan Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Zesty Lemon-Caper Sauce

Six golden-brown chicken piccata meatballs served in a bright lemon-butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley.
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Create a bright, flavorful weeknight dinner with these juicy ground chicken meatballs simmered in a classic lemon caper sauce. This simple skillet recipe delivers the taste of chicken piccata with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined; do not overwork the meat.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should have about 16 to 18 meatballs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return the meatballs to the skillet. Add the drained capers. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  6. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Serve the chicken piccata meatballs immediately over orzo, spaghetti, or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour.
  • Serve these meatballs over creamy polenta or a bed of fresh arugula for a lighter meal.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream after removing the pan from the heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/chicken-piccata-meatballs-recipe-easy-dinner/