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Easy One-Pan Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Caper Sauce

Close-up of several browned chicken piccata meatballs smothered in a bright yellow lemon-caper sauce.

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Make simple, flavorful chicken piccata meatballs in one pan with a bright lemon caper sauce. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
  2. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have about 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
  4. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the lemon juice and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts and thickens the sauce slightly.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve over pasta or orzo.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
  • If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream after adding the butter in step 7.
  • These meatballs work well as an appetizer if you make them slightly smaller.

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