Description
These Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, with the brightness of lemon and the kick of black pepper. They are juicy, tender, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- For extra lemon flavor, drizzle with a lemon-butter sauce or serve with lemon wedges.
- These meatballs also bake well—bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
