These zesty lemon pepper chicken meatballs are a flavorful, healthy twist on a classic dish. Bursting with the bright tang of lemon and the bold kick of black pepper, these tender, juicy meatballs are perfect for a light dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep. Easy to make and packed with protein, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for those seeking a flavorful, zesty dish!
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
10 minutes
- Cooking time:
20 minutes
- Total time:
30 minutes
- Number of servings:
4
- Serving size:
4-5 meatballs
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 450g (1 lb) ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 egg
- 50g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5g) freshly ground black pepper (adjust to
taste)
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 1 tbsp (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil (for searing)
For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- 60ml (1/4 cup) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp (15g) butter
- 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5g) lemon zest
- 1 tsp (5g) black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method of Preparation:
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven
to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly
grease it with oil.
- Mix the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic,
lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley. Use your
hands or a spoon to mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Shape the meatballs:
Roll the mixture into 1-1 1/2 inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
- Sear the meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in
batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are browned but not fully
cooked through.
- Bake the meatballs:
Transfer the seared meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for
10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal
temperature of 75°C (165°F).
For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- Prepare the sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in the same skillet used
for searing. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black
pepper. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken
slightly.
- Toss the meatballs in the sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to
the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy them on their own, over
rice, or alongside roasted vegetables!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use ground chicken with some fat: For the juiciest meatballs, opt for ground chicken
that has some fat content (not too lean) to keep the meatballs moist.
- Sear for extra flavor:
Searing the meatballs before baking adds a golden crust and boosts flavor,
so don’t skip this step!
- Make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, or replace them with almond flour
for a grain-free option.
- Adjust the pepper:
If you like a spicier kick, feel free to add more black pepper or a pinch
of red pepper flakes to the meatballs or sauce.
- Meal prep friendly:
These meatballs are great for meal prep! Store them in an airtight
container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for later use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe
and offers a similar texture and flavor.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container
in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave
before serving.
- Can I freeze these meatballs? Absolutely! After cooking, let the meatballs cool
completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before
transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months in
the freezer.
- What sides pair well with lemon pepper meatballs? These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of
sides, including rice, quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables like
asparagus or broccoli.
- Can I make the sauce creamier? For a richer, creamier sauce, you can add a splash of
heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to the lemon pepper sauce.
These zesty lemon pepper chicken
meatballs offer a fresh, tangy twist on the traditional meatball, making them
perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a light, healthy
dinner or an appetizer for guests, their bright lemony flavor and savory pepper
kick will leave everyone asking for seconds. Pair them with your favorite sides
or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’ll be a hit at your next meal!