Description
Delicious and zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs made with ground chicken, fresh lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. These quick and flavorful meatballs are pan-fried to a golden, juicy perfection and make a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 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 Serving (Optional)
- Extra lemon wedges
- Additional chopped parsley
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, cracked black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet, ready for cooking.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allowing it to warm up adequately for frying.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs in batches to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and the meatballs are fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes total.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil for a less greasy finish.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, optionally garnished with extra lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- For an even juicier texture, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if desired.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
- To keep meatballs warm, place them in a low oven (around 200°F) while cooking remaining batches.
- If you prefer baking, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
