What does piccata mean in Italian?

In Italian, piccata refers to a method of preparing meat—typically thinly sliced, sautéed, and served in a sauce made with lemon, butter, and capers. While veal piccata is traditional in Italy, the chicken version became popular in American kitchens. When applied to dishes like chicken piccata meatballs , the term still captures that tangy, bright, and savory flavor profile.

Is chicken Milanese the same as chicken piccata?

Not quite. Chicken Milanese is usually breaded and pan-fried, then served without a sauce. It's more about the crispy texture than flavor layering. On the other hand, chicken piccata focuses on a vibrant sauce with lemon and capers. Chicken piccata meatballs carry that same signature sauce but offer a juicier, tender bite in meatball form.

What pairs well with chicken piccata?

Because of the lemony, buttery sauce, chicken piccata meatballs pair beautifully with neutral or creamy sides. Angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables all make excellent choices. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness of the dish.

What is piccata sauce made of?

Traditional piccata sauce is a simple but bold combination of fresh lemon juice, butter, capers, and often a splash of chicken broth. In the case of chicken piccata meatballs , the sauce is slightly thickened and used to finish cooking the meatballs, allowing the flavor to fully absorb.

Chicken Piccata Meatballs: A Zesty Italian-Inspired Favorite 2025

Description

Juicy ground chicken meatballs simmered in a bright lemon-caper sauce. A fresh twist on an Italian-American classic.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup grated onion
1 tbsp fresh parsley
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup lemon juice
2 tbsp capers

2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Form meatballs and sear in olive oil until golden.
Remove meatballs, add lemon juice and broth to pan.
Add capers, simmer sauce, then stir in butter.
Return meatballs to pan and simmer until cooked through.
Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 624
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 37g