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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

LEMON CHICKEN GNOCCHI
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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi: Easy, zesty dinner perfection! Discover this vibrant, comforting meal. Make it tonight!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch chunks
  • 500 grams gnocchi
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • First things first, let’s get our ingredients prepped – this is what we call ‘mise en place’ and it makes cooking so much smoother. Slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks, and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving that beautiful golden-brown sear. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in two batches. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, reserving any drippings. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are flavor gold!
  • Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Now, stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. This is where the magic happens, so make sure to add it at the end to preserve its bright flavor. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Next, add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine everything and warm the chicken through. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and incorporated, creating that luscious creamy texture, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and perfectly coat the gnocchi and chicken. Make sure the gnocchi are just cooked through – you want them tender, not mushy. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi as they can become tough. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, perhaps a touch more lemon or salt to really make it sing!
  • Preparing the fresh herb garnish is beautifully simple and adds a fantastic aromatic and visual finishing touch. In a small bowl, combine your finely chopped fresh basil leaves, snipped fresh chives, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Gently toss them together. The basil offers a sweet, peppery note, the chives provide a delicate oniony freshness, and the red pepper flakes lend a subtle warmth and a pop of color. This vibrant mixture shouldn’t be added to the cooking process; instead, it’s sprinkled generously over each serving of the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi just before it reaches the table. The fresh, uncooked herbs release their full fragrance and vibrancy, elevating the entire sensory experience with their bright green hues and lively flavors, contrasting beautifully with the creamy, rich dish.
  • Once your Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is perfectly cooked, it’s time for the grand presentation! Ladle generous portions into shallow bowls, ensuring each serving gets a delightful mix of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, all drenched in that irresistible creamy lemon sauce. The art of serving this dish lies in its immediate appeal – the warmth from the dish will release the aromatics from the sauce, enticing everyone at the table. Immediately after plating, sprinkle each serving with your vibrant fresh herb garnish of basil, chives, and red pepper flakes. The bright greens and occasional fleck of red create a stunning visual contrast against the pale, creamy sauce. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, you can finish with a final shaving of fresh Parmesan cheese over the top, letting the cheese melt slightly from the heat. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that exquisite sauce.

Notes

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched Italian trattoria! This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a symphony of delicate flavors and incredible textures, featuring tender, pan-seared chicken, pillowy soft potato gnocchi, and a vibrant, creamy lemon sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, bursting with bright citrus notes and savory goodness in every single bite. Prepare to fall head over heels for this exquisite dish!

Find it online: https://thecozycuppa.com/lemon-chicken-gnocchi/