Rustic Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs:

1/4 cup grated parmesan

4 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon lemon zest

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 large egg

1/3 cup chopped parsley (plus more)

1 1/4 pounds ground chicken (or turkey)

1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon pepp

Sauce:

4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

3 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (scant)

1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup capers (plus 2 tsp caper brine)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

MEATBALLS:

In a medium bowl, using a fork, mix together all the ingredients except the ground chicken.

When the ingredients are combined, add the ground chicken and mix until *just* combined.

Just be sure you don’t overwork the meat.

Roll into 20-22 meatballs using a cookie scoop (affiliate link) or about 1 1/2 tablespoons each.

SEAR:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle in a little oil.

Add the meatballs to the skillet but do not overcrowd.

Cook in batches if they don’t all fit.

Sear the meatballs for 4-5 minutes, flipping to brown all sides evenly.

We’ll finish cooking the meatballs through in the sauce later.

Remove meatballs to a plate.

SAUCE:

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Add the flour and whisk.

Once the flour cooks for 30 seconds, slowly drizzle in the chicken broth with one hand while you continue to whisk with the other hand.

Add the caper brine, capers, lemon juice, and allow the sauce to gain a simmer.

Then add the meatballs reduce the heat to medium and let thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Lower the heat to low, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and allow them to slowly melt into the sauce as you stir.

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The butter will help thicken the sauce further.

Serve with additional chopped parsley on top if desired.

Notes:

The sauce will thicken as it sits so I’d advise keeping a little additional broth on hand if you don’t plan on serving this right away.

Serve over egg noodles, zoodles, quinoa, rice, or with crusty bread!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.

The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it’s a suitable alternative.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking.

Once shaped, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute.

However, keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

Can I omit the capers from the sauce?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of capers, you can omit them from the sauce.

The sauce will still have a delicious lemony flavor from the lemon juice.

Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour in the sauce?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley in the meatballs.

However, fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor, so you may need to adjust the quantity if using dried parsley.

How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?

Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth in the sauce.

It will alter the flavor slightly, but it’s a suitable alternative for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

You can also serve them with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I adjust the level of garlic in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference.

If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more cloves, or if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic used.