Savory Chicken Piccata Meatballs in Zesty Lemon Sauce
Savory Chicken Piccata Meatballs in Zesty Lemon Sauce are flavor-packed meatballs served in a delicious lemon sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 meatballs
Calories 250 kcal
skillet
Bowls
meat thermometer
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Chicken Can use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 small Shallot Adds subtle sweetness; yellow onion can work as a substitute.
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream For a lighter version, consider using milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano serves as a great substitute.
- ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs may require adjustment in quantity.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Essential seasoning for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to meet dietary preferences.
- 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Lime zest is a great substitute.
- ¼ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth Homemade broth can enhance flavor significantly.
- 1 teaspoon Unflavored Gelatin Helps retain moisture; can be omitted.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be used as an alternative.
- 4 tablespoon Butter Margarine or a dairy-free alternative can work well.
- 2 tablespoon Flour For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead.
- 2 tablespoon Capers Green olives can substitute but alter the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice Using freshly squeezed lemon offers the best results.
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and chicken broth. Let it thicken for several minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the shallot, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, gelatin mixture, and lemon zest. Add the ground chicken and mix gently until just combined.
Scoop and roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon meatballs, ensuring they're tightly shaped for even cooking.
Cooking
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned but not fully cooked; remove them from the pan.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. Slowly stir in the chicken broth, capers with their brine, and lemon juice while scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
Return the meatballs to the sauce, allowing them to simmer for 5-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken piccata, Comfort Food, dinner, meatballs, savory, Zesty Lemon Sauce