Description
These Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs offer a flavorful and zesty twist on classic meatballs, combining ground chicken with fresh lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper for a light yet savory dish. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these meatballs are cooked to golden perfection in a skillet for a juicy and tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley. Mix gently just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a small scoop, and arrange them spaced out on a baking sheet to keep them uniform and ready for cooking.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for frying the meatballs evenly.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so each meatball becomes evenly browned on all sides and is cooked through internally.
- Drain and Rest: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, helping to keep them crispy without greasiness.
- Serve: Serve the lemon pepper chicken meatballs warm. Optionally garnish with extra lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but can be substituted with gluten-free alternative if needed.
- Add a side of marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping if desired.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently in the skillet or oven.
