Zesty Lemon Gnocchi Chicken Recipe: A Bright Weeknight Delight

Whipping up a delightful lemon gnocchi chicken dish promises culinary excitement for hungry home cooks.

Soft potato dumplings mingle beautifully with tender chicken pieces in this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Italian comfort meets bright citrus notes through carefully balanced ingredients.

Each forkful delivers complex flavors that dance across your palate with surprising harmony.

Kitchen novices and seasoned chefs alike will find joy in crafting this straightforward yet impressive meal.

Fresh parsley and zesty lemon segments add vibrant finishing touches that elevate the entire experience.

You cannot resist the temptation of this comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in under thirty minutes.

Zesty Lemon Gnocchi Chicken That’s Light and Bright

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Zesty lemon sauce creates a bright, tangy profile that elevates classic chicken and gnocchi into something extraordinary.
• Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique make cleanup a breeze, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious, stress-free meals.
• Soft gnocchi and tender chicken bathed in creamy lemon sauce guarantee smiles around the dinner table, appealing to both adults and kids.

Ingredients for Lemon Gnocchi Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides a hearty base for this zesty dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich, smooth sauce.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute creamy texture and rich, savory notes to the recipe.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Provide foundational flavor and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Lemon, Lemon Zest: Bring bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the starchy component of the meal.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal finish to the completed dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and creating a non-stick cooking surface.

Instructions for Making Lemon Gnocchi Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a large skillet with a swirl of olive oil and a pat of butter over medium-high heat.

Drop the chicken into the hot pan and let it sizzle until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature hits 165F (75C).

Once cooked, let the chicken take a quick rest before slicing it into delectable bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Gnocchi

Fill a big pot with water and add a handful of salt.

Bring it to a rolling boil.

Gently drop in the gnocchi and watch them dance in the water.

They’ll be ready in 2-3 minutes when they start floating to the top.

Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Step 3: Craft the Zesty Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, pour a splash of olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until it releases its aromatic magic.

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir these in, then pour in some chicken broth.

Let it simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and let the sauce bubble and thicken for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each pillow with the luscious sauce.

Slide in the sliced chicken and give everything a loving stir.

Let it warm through for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Zesty Gnocchi Chicken

• Rinse gnocchi with cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy or sticking together.
• Let the lemon sauce simmer longer to concentrate the flavors and create a more intense, zesty profile that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (75°C) for safe, juicy meat without overcooking.
• If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch or continue simmering to achieve your desired consistency.
• Chop parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color and maximize its aromatic flavor in the dish.

Store and Reheat Lemon Gnocchi Chicken Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed thoroughly. Avoid high heat to prevent gnocchi from becoming tough.

Side Dishes That Pair with Lemon Gnocchi Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that matches the lemon's bright acidity and complements the creamy sauce's richness.
• Enhance with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs like basil and thyme, and shaved Parmesan to echo the dish's citrus and herbaceous notes.
• Balance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful side of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini seasoned with garlic and olive oil to add nutritional depth and textural contrast.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: Serve a tangy lemon or blood orange sorbet as a palate-cleansing dessert that continues the bright, fresh flavor profile of the main course.

Twists on Lemon Gnocchi Chicken You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional wheat-based gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this zesty dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, pan-seared tempeh, or roasted chickpeas to create a plant-based version that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or simply use cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the lemony sauce and overall texture intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising the dish's creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, pre-packaged gnocchi works perfectly fine and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for boiling and ensure they’re fresh.

• Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less creamy and rich. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

No problem! You can skip the parsley or use dried herbs like dried basil or oregano. Chives or green onions also work great as alternative garnishes.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Zesty Lemon Gnocchi Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy zesty lemon gnocchi chicken delivers Mediterranean comfort with bold, tangy flavors dancing across each forkful. Comfort meets elegance in this quick weeknight dinner that promises to delight hungry families and satisfy serious home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 453 grams)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Pasta and Liquid:

• 1 pound (453 grams) potato gnocchi
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer to cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Bring salted water to rolling boil in a separate pot. Carefully drop gnocchi and cook until they float to surface, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove gnocchi using slotted spoon, drain briefly, and set aside. Retain cooking water.
5. In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium and add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
6. Incorporate lemon zest and juice into skillet. Pour chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor profile.
7. Stream heavy cream into sauce, continuing to simmer until mixture thickens and becomes silky, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Gently fold gnocchi into sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Add sliced chicken and toss to integrate.
9. Warm mixture for additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
10. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a vibrant and creamy dish.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior when searing.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain high heat and promote proper browning of the chicken.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Test gnocchi doneness by watching them float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly cooked.
• Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to help retain moisture and ensure juicy meat.
• Gently toss gnocchi in the sauce to prevent breaking the delicate pasta.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg