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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

A creamy and zesty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious lemon cream sauce infused with garlic, onion, and fresh basil. This quick and comforting one-pan meal is ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced (about 1 pound)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Sauté and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound gnocchi (shelf stable, packaged)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Evenly season both sides of the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and butter, melting until hot. Place the chicken in the pan and brown for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer for full flavor development.
  5. Add Cream and Gnocchi: Gradually stir in the heavy cream followed by the gnocchi. Let simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are soft and have absorbed some of the sauce.
  6. Incorporate Cheese and Basil: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, continuing to cook if thicker pieces need to reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
  8. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan, lemon slices, and more fresh basil for a bright, aromatic presentation.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh basil rather than dried to maintain bright flavors and color.
  • If gnocchi is frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly, cooking until soft and tender.
  • Thinly slicing the chicken breasts ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
  • Check doneness of chicken with a meat thermometer for food safety, aiming for 165ºF internal temperature.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American