Name: Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced for sauce); 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons capers; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional); 1 tablespoon water (optional for slurry); Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish

If you love the zesty brightness of classic chicken piccata, wait until you try it in meatball form. These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are tender, golden, and nestled in a luscious lemon-butter sauce with briny capers that burst with flavor in every bite. It’s everything you adore about the original—just more fun and a lot easier to serve.

Perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or meal prep, this twist on the Italian-American classic offers a lighter take with all the bold flavor. The meatballs hold their shape beautifully while staying juicy, thanks to a touch of parmesan and fresh herbs. And that sauce? Let’s just say you’ll want bread to soak up every drop.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

Fresh & flavorful: Bright lemon and salty capers take it over the top.
Quick to cook: Ready in under 40 minutes.
Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or on their own.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and enjoy later.
Healthier twist: Lean ground chicken keeps things light without losing flavor.

What Makes Piccata Sauce So Good?

Piccata sauce is all about balance—sharp lemon, salty capers, buttery richness, and a touch of garlic come together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. When paired with golden-browned meatballs, the sauce coats every crevice and turns a simple dish into something worthy of seconds (and thirds). It’s tangy, silky, and shockingly easy to make in one pan.

Ingredients for the Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

Each ingredient works together to create juicy, zesty perfection. Here’s what you need:

For the Meatballs:

Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it absorbs all the herby flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and helps bind the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs tender and moist.
Egg: Acts as a binder.
Garlic: Minced for savory flavor.
Parsley: Fresh and vibrant.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning.

For the Piccata Sauce:

Butter: Adds richness and gloss.
Olive oil: For sautéing.
Garlic: More garlic, more flavor.
Chicken broth: Creates the sauce base.
Lemon juice & zest: Bright and tangy.
Capers: Briny little flavor bombs.
Cornstarch (optional): For slightly thickening the sauce.

How To Make the Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Form Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll into meatballs about 1.5 inches wide.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet).

Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked through and infused with flavor. Thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra parsley, lemon slices, and a drizzle of sauce. Serve hot!

How to Serve and Store This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and taste amazing hot, warm, or even the next day. This recipe makes about 16 meatballs, which comfortably feeds 4 people as a main dish.

Serve them right out of the skillet with a spoonful of that dreamy lemon-caper sauce. It’s fantastic over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a lighter take.

To store leftovers, transfer meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, let everything cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Chicken Piccata Meatballs?

Here are some perfect pairings to elevate your meal:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and hearty—perfect for soaking up the lemony sauce.

Angel Hair Pasta

The delicate noodles match well with the light, buttery sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

Add a crisp, green bite for balance.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Neutral but fluffy—lets the sauce shine.

Crusty Bread

You’ll want every drop of sauce!

Lemon Arugula Salad

Peppery and citrusy, this salad is a bright sidekick.

Parmesan Polenta

Creamy with a subtle cheesy note to complement the meatballs.

Want More Light & Zesty Dinner Ideas?

If these Chicken Piccata Meatballs made your dinner lineup better, here are some more must-tries that bring freshness and flavor to the table:

For another citrusy twist, try the Lemon Cream Chicken Orzo Skillet.
Spice things up with the Sweet Chili Chicken Meatballs.
Cozy up with the bold and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Or dive into hearty comfort with the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs.
Keep it quick and cozy with this one-pan Creamy Sausage and Gnocchi Skillet.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready for the next time you’re craving lemony goodness.

Have a twist on the recipe? Maybe you tossed in spinach or swapped the capers? I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Browse even more bold and balanced meals on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest for inspiration that keeps dinner fresh.

Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe

Author: Nora
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are the perfect twist on a classic Italian favorite. Juicy ground chicken meatballs are simmered in a bright, buttery lemon-caper sauce that feels both elegant and comforting. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving a fresh and flavorful chicken recipe. Serve it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying, quick dinner idea that never fails.