Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs – A 30-Minute, Gluten-Free, High-Protein Dinner
If you’re a busy mom trying to juggle work, kids, and dinner, this recipe is for you! These Chicken Piccata Meatballs are part of my 30-Minute Dinner Series, designed to help you get a healthy, satisfying meal on the table in no time. Packed with lean protein, gluten-free ingredients, and bursting with bright, zesty flavors, this dish feels gourmet without all the fuss.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
A Healthier Twist on Traditional Piccata
Chicken piccata is a beloved classic, but turning it into meatballs adds a fun, family-friendly twist! Instead of using chicken breasts, we’re using lean ground chicken to create tender, flavorful meatballs that soak up the buttery, lemony sauce perfectly. Plus, the meatballs are much easier to serve to little ones than traditional cutlets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Quick: It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
• Healthy: High in protein, gluten-free, and includes a serving of steamed asparagus for extra greens.
• Family-Friendly: The meatballs and gluten-free noodles are perfect for kids, while the caper-studded sauce adds a sophisticated touch for adults.
Ingredients:
- ground chicken or turkey
- panko bread crumbs (gf if needed)
- lemon zest + juice
- capers
- salt
- butter
- garlic
- parmesan cheese
- chicken broth
- corn starch
- honey or sweetener of choice]
***see full recipe below
Cooking Tips
1. Don’t Overwork the Meatballs:
When mixing the ground chicken with the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and lemon zest, use a gentle hand. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Aim for just enough to combine everything evenly.
2. Sear for Flavor:
While the meatballs will finish cooking in the sauce, searing them in olive oil first creates a golden crust and locks in their moisture. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
3. Perfecting the Sauce:
• Use the Caper Brine: The caper brine adds a tangy, salty depth that makes the sauce sing. Don’t skip it!
• Balance with Honey: A small amount of honey balances the lemon juice and capers, creating a harmonious sauce that’s kid-approved.
• Thicken with Cornstarch: Dissolve the cornstarch fully before adding the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Whisk continuously while adding the liquid for a silky finish.
4. Prep the Sides Ahead:
While the meatballs simmer, cook your gluten-free noodles and steam the asparagus. Having these ready makes assembly a breeze!
How to Serve
Each plate gets 1/2 cup of gluten-free noodles, 1 cup of steamed asparagus, and a generous serving of meatballs drizzled with sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, fresh touch.
30 minute dinner series
As a mom, I know how hard it can be to find meals that are quick, healthy, and loved by the entire family. This dish checks all the boxes. It’s a dinner you can feel good about serving, with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. And the best part? It’s on the table in 30 minutes, giving you more time to relax with your family at the end of a busy day.
I’d love to hear how this recipe worked for your family! Let me know in the comments if you tried it, and don’t forget to check out the rest of my 30-Minute Dinner Series for more easy, healthy meals for busy moms.
Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Gluten-Free Noodles and Steamed Asparagus
Packed with lean protein, gluten-free ingredients, and bursting with bright, zesty flavors, this dish feels gourmet without all the fuss.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 tbsp caper brine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp honey to taste
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked gluten-free noodles (1/2 cup per serving)• 6 cups steamed asparagus (1 cup per serving)
- 3 cup cooked gluten-free noodles (1/2 cup per serving)
- 6 cups steamed asparagus (1 cup per serving)
Let's Make It
- 1. Prepare the Meatballs:• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, salt, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined.• Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Meatballs:• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.• Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.• Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- 3. Make the Sauce:• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.• Stir in the corn starch, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.• Add capers, caper brine, lemon juice, and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Adjust sweetness with more honey, if desired.
- 4. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:• Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them to coat.• Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 5. Prepare the Noodles and Asparagus:• While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the gluten-free noodles according to package instructions. Divide into 6 portions (1/2 cup per serving).• Steam the asparagus until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Divide into 6 portions (1 cup per serving).
- 6. Serve:• Plate each serving with 1/2 cup gluten-free noodles and 1 cup steamed asparagus. Top the noodles with meatballs and spoon sauce over everything.• Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (Meatballs, Noodles, and Asparagus):
• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~35 g
• Fat: ~17 g
• Carbohydrates: ~36 g
Notes:
• The exact values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used (e.g., type of gluten-free noodles or chicken broth).
• If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, consider using a lower-fat ground chicken or reducing the butter in the sauce slightly.
• For more protein, you could add grated Parmesan or an extra side of lean protein like grilled chicken breast.
Meal Prep in 1 Hour
You can use any two of the meals in this series to get your meal prep done in just about and hour, give or take!
Having your breakfast and lunch ready for the week helps you stay on track with your nutriton, saves you time and money! I truly beleive that meal prep does not need to be over complicated, take too much time or be boring!
I always get asked- “do you ever get tired of eating the same thing all week?” and the answer is, no! Not when the food taste good! I give plenty of variety in these preps and keep it simple!
As always, thanks for being here and remember, don’t over complicate the process! Take a deep breath, you got this!
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