If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that feels like a warm hug, Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is your answer. This recipe is packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken breast, fluffy gnocchi, and a bright and zesty lemon sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and brings the ultimate comfort food to your table.
The lemon sauce is what makes this dinner special, adding a zesty touch that you’ll want to make again and again. This is not just a meal; it’s totally a comfort food experience.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Using store-bought gnocchi makes this recipe much easier to prepare. It cooks directly in the bright lemon sauce, enhancing the flavors and saving you time.
- Whether you’re looking for a perfect meal for a busy weeknight dinner or something special to serve to guests over the weekend, this dish fits all occasions.
- The zesty lemon sauce paired with tender gnocchi makes every bite a delight.
- Each serving packs a robust 36g of protein, ensuring that it’s not just delicious but also nourishing.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Make sure it’s fully cooked. . You can also opt for convenience with leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, chili flakes, thyme, and dried oregano to enhance taste
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: This adds a robust flavor.
- Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream: Introduce creaminess and richness into your sauce.
- Chicken broth: To make the sauce base
- Onion: properly chopped
- Butter: to saute the garlic and onion
- Olive oil: to pan sear the chicken
- Fresh potato gnocchi, a type of pasta made from potatoes, flour, and occasionally eggs. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, ensure to cook it separately according to the directions on the package.
- Parmesan cheese: Adding more flavor and a slight saltiness.
- Fresh spinach, adding it at the final stages of your cooking time. It looks delicious.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
Step 1:
- To begin making Lemon Chicken Gnocchi, heat a large skillet with a bit of olive oil on medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken on each side for a few minutes until it’s golden brown and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2:
- Lower the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil. Toss in the onion and let it cook until softened, which takes a few minutes.
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Cook everything for about a minute until it’s fragrant.
Step 3:
- Pour in some chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add lemon zest and heavy cream. Continue stirring constantly.
- After adding lemon juice and bring it to a simmer. Add The chicken breasts back in along with their juices and let everything simmer at medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4:
- To finish, remove the chicken and stir in some parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook a few more minutes until it has slightly thickened.
- This simple method results in a flavorful and comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week. Add baby spinach for garnishing.
Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
For a lighter option that complements the rich flavors of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi, consider adding a fresh salad made from mixed greens and veggies. This adds a crisp, nutritious balance to the meal, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi already packs a punch with its protein and starch base, making it almost a complete meal on its own. To elevate this dish, serve it with a side of Cheesy Garlic Bread or a simple dinner roll. These options add a comforting touch and are perfect for sopping up any delicious sauce left on your plate.
For More Recipes
– Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
How To Store
To store leftovers, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, heat it in the microwave. You can also heat on the stove over medium heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of water and heavy cream.
Can I substitute whole milk for heavy cream in this recipe
When crafting your lemon chicken gnocchi recipe, substituting whole milk for heavy cream can yield a delightfully creamy sauce without making it overly heavy. This tweak can keep your dish light while maintaining that luxurious texture.
Can I use cauliflower gnocchi instead of potato gnocchi
Potato gnocchi has the ability to add starch to the lemon sauce, thereby helping it thicken during cooking. You can certainly use cauliflower gnocchi. Just a tip: consider adding a bit of cornstarch to the sauce to achieve the desired thickness if opting for cauliflower.
Is it possible to make this gnocchi dish gluten-free
Absolutely! Opt for gluten-free shelf stable gnocchi and use the same ingredients as the standard version. This small change allows everyone to enjoy this scrumptious meal without worry.
