Description
Succulent chicken piccata meatballs blend zesty lemon and capers in a classic Italian-American fusion. Hearty protein balls offer a tangy, rich experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) capers, drained
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly blend ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, seasoning blend, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Knead mixture until ingredients are perfectly integrated, ensuring uniform texture and consistent flavor distribution.
- Forming Meatballs: Craft 16 evenly sized spherical meatballs, maintaining one-inch diameter. Shape with gentle, consistent pressure to preserve delicate protein structure and prevent dense compaction.
- Searing Protein: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place meatballs, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring complete culinary transformation.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and additional olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Deglaze pan with chicken broth and lemon juice, introducing capers and seasoning. Allow liquid to simmer and concentrate flavors, creating a vibrant, tangy foundation.
- Sauce Refinement: Optional: Incorporate heavy cream to elevate sauce’s richness and create a velvety emulsion. Gently return meatballs to the simmering sauce, coating each sphere and allowing flavor absorption for two minutes.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, steamed rice, or alongside crusty artisan bread, presenting a harmonious culinary composition.
Notes
- Prevent Overworking Meat: Mix chicken gently to maintain tender, soft meatball texture without becoming dense or tough.
- Maintain Consistent Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding extra broth if too concentrated; cream helps create silky smooth texture.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for gluten-free version, use ground turkey as alternative protein, and swap heavy cream with coconut cream for lighter dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg