Name: Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp capers; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Bright, zesty, and perfectly comforting, Chicken Piccata Meatballs take everything you love about the classic Italian-American dish and roll it into juicy, golden meatballs. These are cooked in a velvety lemon butter sauce with capers, making them irresistibly tangy and full of flavor.

This dish is perfect for both weeknight meals and elegant gatherings. Whether you’re spooning them over pasta, tucking them into crusty bread, or serving them with roasted vegetables, they bring a gourmet twist to simple ground chicken. One bite and you’ll fall in love with the burst of citrus and buttery depth.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

If you’re a fan of balance in food, this one’s for you. The meatballs are tender and savory, thanks to the ground chicken and breadcrumbs, while the sauce is silky with just the right punch of lemon acidity. This dish brings together comfort and brightness, richness and freshness. It’s easy to prep ahead and comes together quickly, but tastes like you’ve cooked all day. It’s also family-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Ground chicken breast gives a leaner result, while a mix of white and dark meat offers more moisture and flavor. If you can, opt for ground chicken that has a little fat in it—you’ll end up with a juicier meatball that stands up better to the bold sauce. Just avoid overly processed ground chicken blends that are watery and hard to form into balls.

Ingredients for the Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Using a few fresh and pantry ingredients, these meatballs and their sauce are surprisingly easy to put together. Here’s what you need:

Ground chicken
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
Garlic
Egg
Lemon juice
Zest of lemon
Butter
Olive oil
Chicken broth
Capers
Parsley
Salt and pepper

Each of these ingredients has a purpose. The ground chicken is the base, while breadcrumbs and egg bind it. Parmesan and garlic deepen the flavor, and lemon zest adds a bright punch. Butter and olive oil enrich the sauce, and capers bring a briny contrast. Don’t skip the parsley at the end—it adds color and freshness that makes the dish shine.

How To Make the Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using damp hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if needed. Transfer them to a plate once golden and mostly cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it sizzle for a minute, then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in capers and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Spoon sauce over the top and let them soak up the flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs and serve immediately with more lemon wedges if desired.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Piccata Meatballs

These meatballs are best served hot, straight from the skillet, and they’re versatile enough to pair with several sides. This recipe feeds about four people generously, especially if served over pasta or rice.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lemon flavor will mellow slightly, making them just as enjoyable the next day. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Chicken Piccata Meatballs?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The lemony sauce tastes incredible soaked into a pile of soft, buttery mashed potatoes.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Keep it simple and classic. The wide noodles grab onto the sauce and complement the meatballs beautifully.

Roasted Asparagus

The sharpness of asparagus matches the brightness of the sauce and adds a healthy green crunch.

Garlic Bread

Sop up every drop of sauce with a warm slice of garlic bread.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a cool, refreshing bite alongside the warm, saucy meatballs.

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Quick, garlicky spinach is a light and nutritious contrast to the richness of the dish.

Creamy Polenta

If you love comfort food, pair this with a bowl of soft, cheesy polenta for an ultra-satisfying dinner.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into these Chicken Piccata Meatballs, here are more savory ideas you’ll love:

• Try the cozy and creamy Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for another twist on chicken meatballs.
• This Chicken Biscuit Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with big Southern vibes.
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon shares a similar sauce style, with rich citrus flavors.
• Make it one pan with the One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a heartier pasta option.
• Or go green with the comforting Zucchini Lasagna that’s low-carb and full of flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know how your version turned out! Did you add extra lemon, or maybe a splash of white wine? I’d love to hear your twist. Feel free to drop questions too—let’s help each other make dinner amazing.

Explore more vibrant and easy-to-follow dinner recipes at Janet Dishes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next favorite meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a bright and comforting twist on a timeless classic. They bring together the magic of zesty lemon, briny capers, and juicy ground chicken into a dish that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this is one recipe that delivers elegance without effort.