Discover the flavors of bite-sized chicken piccata meatballs, perfect for any occasion, paired with lemony goodness.
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish traditionally made with chicken cutlets, sautéed in a zesty lemon-butter sauce, and topped with capers.
However, the dish has evolved in various ways to suit modern tastes, and chicken piccata meatballs are a flavorful, bite-sized twist on this beloved recipe.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from defining chicken piccata meatballs as a dish to sharing a delightful recipe, as well as providing nutritional information, calorie count, and serving ideas. Whether you’re a fan of Giada’s recipes or looking for a healthier lemon chicken meatball option, we’ve got you covered!
What are Chicken Piccata Meatballs?
Chicken piccata meatballs combine all the tangy flavors of traditional chicken piccata in a versatile and easy-to-make form. Rather than using whole chicken breasts, ground chicken is mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, rolled into meatballs, and then cooked in a lemon-butter sauce. The addition of capers, garlic, and parsley creates a bright and flavorful dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a light meal.
This twist on the traditional piccata provides a convenient, crowd-pleasing alternative that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Giada’s Chicken Piccata Meatballs
One popular version of this dish comes from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, who has perfected the art of Italian cooking. Giada’s chicken piccata meatballs follow a similar approach but offer a few signature touches that set her recipe apart.
Giada typically uses a mixture of ground chicken and breadcrumbs for tenderness, adds Parmigiano-Reggiano for a hint of richness, and finishes the dish with a vibrant lemon sauce made with chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Her recipe has been widely praised for its perfect balance of flavors, allowing the meatballs to absorb the bright and buttery sauce, making them both juicy and flavorful.
Her version is ideal for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time and cooked quickly, offering a gourmet meal in no time.
Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe
Now, let’s get into a delicious chicken piccata meatballs recipe you can easily try at home. This recipe stays true to the traditional flavors of chicken piccata while giving you the convenience of meatballs.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
For the Sauce:
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/3 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons capers, drained
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
– Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking each side until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
Slowly add the chicken broth and lemon juice, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the capers and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce. Let them simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or sautéed vegetables.
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Chicken piccata meatballs are versatile, making them easy to pair with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement this tangy and savory dish:
1. Pasta: A classic choice, you can serve the meatballs over spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine. The lemon-butter sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, soaking into the strands for a delicious meal.
2. Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice offers a light, neutral base that soaks up the bright flavors of the sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to add a crunchy, healthy side to balance the rich meatballs.
4. Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting meal, serve the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes that complement the zesty sauce.
5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative that pairs well with the lemony sauce.
Nutritional Information and Calorie Count
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is essential, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake or looking for a healthier option.
For a serving of 4 chicken piccata meatballs (with sauce), here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown:
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 24g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
These meatballs are rich in protein from the ground chicken and offer moderate fat content due to the butter and olive oil.
By serving them with a side like cauliflower rice, you can enjoy a lighter meal with fewer carbs.
Why Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a Healthier Option
Compared to traditional chicken piccata, which uses whole chicken breasts sautéed in butter and olive oil, lemon chicken meatballs offer a slightly lighter alternative without compromising on flavor.
Here are a few reasons why:
– Portion Control: Meatballs are pre-portioned, making it easier to manage your calorie intake.
– Lean Protein: Using ground chicken provides a lean source of protein, ideal for those looking to reduce saturated fat.
– Less Oil: Meatballs require less oil to cook, especially if baked instead of pan-fried.
– Healthier Add-Ins: You can modify the recipe by using whole-wheat breadcrumbs, adding extra vegetables, or reducing the amount of butter in the sauce for an even healthier option.
Conclusion
Chicken piccata meatballs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings traditional chicken piccata’s bold, tangy flavors into a convenient and delicious form. Whether you’re following Giada’s beloved recipe or trying your version, these lemony meatballs will surely be a hit.
Serve them over pasta, rice, or vegetables, and enjoy the bright and zesty taste of lemon, garlic, and capers. Plus, with their nutritional benefits and calorie-conscious recipe, you can indulge without the guilt. Try this recipe today and savor every bite!
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