Chicken Piccata Meatballs and Orzo Skillet

A one-pan skillet dinner with ground chicken meatballs, orzo, lemon, capers, garlic, and Parmesan in a simple piccata-style sauce.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
50 minutes
Cover image for Chicken Piccata Meatballs and Orzo Skillet recipe

Ingredients

Serves/makes 4

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Skillet

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Gather and prep all ingredients.

  2. 2.

    In a bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

  3. 3.

    Shape mixture into 20-24 small meatballs, about 1 inch each.

  4. 4.

    Heat olive oil in the skillet. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.

  5. 5.

    Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).

  6. 6.

    In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

  7. 7.

    Stir in orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.

  8. 8.

    Pour in chicken broth, capers, and lemon juice. Stir and bring to a simmer.

  9. 9.

    Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes making sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth if the orzo absorbs too much liquid.***

  10. 10.

    Stir in butter and fresh parsley for richness and freshness.

  11. 11.

    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with lemon slices and serve hot, straight from the skillet.