Name: Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce); 1/3 cup white wine; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tbsp capers; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

If you’re craving the bright flavors of lemon and capers but want something a little different from traditional chicken piccata, these Chicken Piccata Meatballs are your perfect twist on a classic. Tender, golden meatballs simmered in a luscious lemony sauce create the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll find yourself making over and over again. It balances cozy comfort with zesty freshness in the most irresistible way.

These meatballs are versatile enough to pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even a bed of sautéed greens. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, this dish checks all the boxes. Quick to whip up and packed with layers of flavor, it might just become your new go-to chicken recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

There’s something special about combining the classic brightness of piccata sauce with juicy meatballs. The sauce, bursting with lemon juice, white wine, and briny capers, hugs each meatball in a silky embrace. The meatballs themselves are tender yet satisfying, and they soak up all that savory, citrusy flavor.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-sensitive, or just looking for a lighter comfort food, this recipe is adaptable and endlessly craveable.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to choose ground turkey with a bit of fat (like 85/15) so your meatballs stay juicy and tender. If you go with leaner turkey breast, consider adding a touch of olive oil to the mixture.

Ingredients for the Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Creating these flavorful meatballs doesn’t require anything fancy. Each ingredient serves a purpose in building texture and flavor.

Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it’s the perfect base for soaking up the piccata sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
Lemon zest: Provides a fresh, bright layer to echo the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component.
Olive oil: For pan-frying the meatballs to a golden finish.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic (for the sauce): Doubles down on the flavor.
White wine: Lends a delicate acidity and depth to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Balances the lemon and enhances the savory notes.
Lemon juice: The star of the show, bringing the piccata zing.
Capers: Deliver that signature briny pop.
Parsley: Brightens everything up with a herby finish.

How To Make the Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overwork the meat.

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside (they don’t have to be cooked through yet).

Step 3: Create the Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce slightly. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked. Spoon the sauce over them as they cook to absorb flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve warm. Add extra lemon slices for garnish if you like!

Serving and Storing These Meatballs

These meatballs serve about four people generously, especially if you pair them with a side like pasta or rice. For smaller portions or as part of a larger spread, you can stretch it to serve six.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. You can also freeze them, sauce and all, for up to two months.

What to Serve With Chicken Piccata Meatballs?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The buttery sauce begs to be poured over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes.

Garlic Butter Pasta

Thin spaghetti or angel hair tossed in garlic butter pairs beautifully.

Steamed Green Beans

Their crisp freshness balances the richness of the dish.

Lemon Herb Rice

A simple herbed rice complements the citrus notes in the sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted with olive oil and sea salt, this makes a perfect side.

Crusty Bread

Ideal for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

Caesar Salad

Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to the warm meatballs.

Sautéed Spinach

Lightly cooked spinach adds a healthy and delicious touch.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Chicken Piccata Meatballs, you’ll want to check out these equally mouthwatering recipes:

Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken for a crispy, flavorful twist on oven-baked chicken.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you crave comfort with a veggie boost.
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for a sticky-sweet and savory favorite.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a zesty pasta-packed meal.
Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls if you’re in the mood for a bite-sized crowd-pleaser.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the capers? Try it with turkey instead? I’m always curious how you make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and more on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen favorite!

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata Meatballs bring all the bold, citrusy flair of classic piccata into a cozy, weeknight-friendly format. They’re easy enough for busy evenings and elegant enough for entertaining. With a punchy lemon butter sauce and perfectly tender meatballs, this dish delivers the best of both comfort and brightness in every bite.