Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
638 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
Description
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi features thin chicken cutlets seasoned with garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt, seared in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through. The same pan is used to sauté minced garlic briefly, then deglazed with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the browned bits for flavor.
Heavy cream and uncooked potato gnocchi are added to the pan, allowing the gnocchi to cook in the bubbling lemon cream sauce. As the gnocchi cooks, it releases starch, thickening the sauce. The dish is finished with fresh baby spinach stirred in to wilt and Parmesan cheese for added depth and umami.
The result is a creamy, tangy dish with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and crisp-tender spinach. The lemon provides bright acidity that balances the richness of the cream and butter base, while the Parmesan adds savory notes. It’s a comforting meal with a hint of freshness from the citrus and greens.
The recipe suggests selecting lemon pepper seasoning with salt included or seasoning separately for proper flavor. Using heavy cream preserves a smooth sauce, as lower fat alternatives may curdle. Cooking chicken to 165°F is recommended for safety. This dish is suitable for a hearty main course.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning see note
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1 pound potato gnocchi uncooked
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups baby spinach packed, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you've got 4 thinner cutlets. Season each side with the garlic powder and lemon pepper. If the lemon pepper seasoning you're using doesn't contain salt, be sure to salt the chicken as well.
- Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat and let the pan heat up for a few minutes. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes/side or until it's golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate (tent with foil to keep warm if you wish).
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add in the cream and gnocchi. Give it a good stir and ensure the gnocchi is submerged in the liquid. Let it bubble gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the gnocchi is cooked and the sauce has thickened. The gnocchi will release starch as it cooks, thickening up the sauce, so do not pre-cook the gnocchi. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don't let it get too thick (add a splash more broth if needed).
- Take the pan off the heat and add in the parmesan cheese and spinach. Toss until the spinach has started to wilt and it's nicely mixed in. Add the chicken back into the skillet (along with any juices from the plate) and spoon some sauce over top. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose lemon pepper seasoning that contains salt or add salt separately for balanced flavor.
- Using heavy cream helps maintain sauce creaminess; lower fat substitutes may curdle.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- The recipe is featured in the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook, page 185.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 638 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 638kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 172mg | 57% |
| Sodium | 874mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 607mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 2514IU | 50% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 229mg | 23% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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