Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Lemon Zest and Caper Sauce

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Introduction

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender chicken meatballs infused with lemon zest and coated in a tangy, buttery caper sauce. The bright lemon juice, briny capers, and savory garlic bring an irresistible depth of flavor to this comforting dish. Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or vegetables, these meatballs offer a zesty and satisfying meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for guests.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Piccata Sauce:

  • 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup capers + 2 tablespoons caper brine
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Mix Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and lemon zest. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Form Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball. You should get around 18-20 meatballs. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning them frequently to brown on all sides, about 6 minutes in total. Once browned and cooked through, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same pan, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the capers, caper brine, and lemon juice, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5-6 minutes, spooning the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly. The meatballs will soak up the sauce’s flavors, becoming tender and juicy.

Step 7: Serve
Serve the Chicken Piccata Meatballs over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with additional lemon zest, fresh parsley, or Parmesan if desired.

Cooking Note:

  • Pasta Pairing: These meatballs are delicious over spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or fettuccine for a complete meal.
  • Lemon Flavor: For an extra burst of citrus, squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the meatballs just before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Piccata Meatballs pair well with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

  1. Pasta: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair.
  2. Rice or Quinoa: Enjoy the meatballs with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty, gluten-free option.
  3. Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a lighter meal.
  4. Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up the tangy, buttery sauce.

Tips:

  • Ground Turkey: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar texture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: The meatballs can be formed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.
  • Extra Sauce: If you love a saucier dish, feel free to double the sauce ingredients to ensure there’s plenty to serve with pasta or bread.

Prep Time:

  • 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 30 minutes

Total Time:

  • 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 380 (varies depending on portion size and sides)
  • Protein: 25 grams
  • Sodium: 680 mg

Conclusion:

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Lemon Zest and Caper Sauce are a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic dish. The zesty lemon and briny capers balance the richness of the sauce, while the tender chicken meatballs soak up all the savory flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering, these meatballs are versatile and can be paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal

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