Are you craving the bright, tangy flavors of chicken piccata but looking for a fun twist? This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe transforms the classic dish into juicy, bite-sized meatballs that are perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even entertaining guests. If you’re a fan of the Chicken Piccata Cheesecake Factory dish, you’ll love this homemade version that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.
In this post, you’ll discover how to make these tender meatballs, learn what to serve with chicken piccata, and enjoy tips for achieving restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, thanks to the comforting, bite-sized meatballs.
- Restaurant-Worthy Flavors: Recreate the luxurious taste of Chicken Piccata Cheesecake Factory in your own kitchen.
- Versatile Pairings: Wondering what to serve with chicken piccata? These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
Ingredients for Chicken Piccata Meatballs
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in capers and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Lower the heat and whisk in heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the rich, tangy flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Wondering what to serve with chicken piccata? These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic options that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting side dish that complements the bright, zesty flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh, healthy balance to the meal.
- Low-Carb Alternatives: Try zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly pairing.
My Personal Experience with Chicken Piccata Meatballs
I’ve always loved the vibrant flavors of a classic chicken piccata recipe, but I wanted something more family-friendly and versatile. That’s when I decided to experiment with meatballs, and the results were incredible!
The creamy lemon-caper sauce is what truly elevates this dish, reminding me of the rich flavors of Chicken Piccata Cheesecake Factory. However, making it at home feels even more special because you can adjust it to your taste. Adding a touch of lemon zest to the meatball mixture brought out an extra brightness that perfectly complements the sauce.
Now, this recipe has become a staple in my household. Whether served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or zoodles, it’s always a hit. I encourage you to try it and let me know how you pair your Chicken Piccata Meatballs!
Love this recipe? Don’t forget to check out our tips for recycling meatballs and make the most out of your leftovers!
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs.
- Double the Sauce: If you’re serving this with pasta, consider doubling the sauce for extra coverage.
Inspired by Chicken Piccata Cheesecake Factory
Se amate il piatto Chicken Piccata Cheesecake Factory , questa ricetta è assolutamente da provare! Mentre Cheesecake Factory serve il pollo piccata come petto di pollo impanato e fritto in padella, queste polpette sono un tocco divertente e creativo. La salsa cremosa e piccante rimane la star del piatto, offrendo un’esperienza lussuosa a ogni boccone.
Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Zester (optional) To add fresh lemon zest for extra flavor in the meatball mixture or garnish.
- Tongs To handle the meatballs gently while transferring them to the skillet.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Form into meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Prepare Sauce
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Lower heat and whisk in heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine
- Add baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
Tips for Success
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Make Ahead | Freeze meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking. |
| Gluten-Free | Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. |
| Double the Sauce | Consider doubling the sauce recipe if serving with pasta. |
| Extra Flavor | Add lemon zest to the meatball mixture for a brighter, tangy taste. |
Nutrition
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative.
Q: What wine pairs well with chicken piccata meatballs?
A: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Piccata Meatballs Recipe combines the best of comfort food and gourmet flavors. Whether you’re looking to recreate the luxurious taste of Chicken Piccata Cheesecake Factory or searching for a new family favorite, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Wondering what to serve with chicken piccata? Pair these meatballs with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table.
