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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

This velvety soup mixes soft potato gnocchi with baked, citrusy chicken and vibrant kale in a creamy, herb-filled base. Start with lemon-baked chicken breasts, then combine with gnocchi in a rich broth of cream, parmesan, and thyme. Fresh lemon brightens the flavors, making this dish wonderfully unique. Gluten-free and vegan substitutions are available, and you can pick store-bought or homemade gnocchi for flexibility.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:46:08 GMT
Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Kale Pin it
Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Kale | tastyhush.com

This soothing Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings together juicy chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and zesty citrus flavors in a smooth, filling broth. Great for cold nights, this heartwarming dish shows that comfort food can pack both richness and zing.

During one freezing night, I dished this soup up for buddies who'd just settled into our neighborhood. The way it brought cozy vibes to our little get-together while getting everyone talking about their favorite comfort meals made it a permanent fixture in my cooking lineup.

Key Ingredients - Your Flavor Foundation

  • Chicken: Go for boneless, skinless thighs as they stay juicier and pack more flavor
  • Gnocchi: Store-bought or refrigerated both do the job - potato ones give you the fluffiest texture
  • Lemon: You'll need the outside and juice - always grab fresh ones for the brightest pop
  • Kale: Grab younger, tender bunches and don't forget to trim away woody stems
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onion build your critical flavor base

Putting It All Together

Step 1 - Set Your Foundation:
Warm olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium flame. Sprinkle and brown your chicken until golden. Take chicken out and put aside while you make the soup base.
Step 2 - Layer Your Tastes:
Cook onions until see-through and sweet-smelling. Toss in garlic and cook just till you can smell it. Mix in flour to make a light thickener.
Step 3 - Form Your Soup:
Pour in broth bit by bit, stirring all the time to avoid clumps. Put chicken back in and simmer till it's tender. Drop in gnocchi and cook just till they bob up.
Step 4 - Nail The Ending:
Mix in kale till it's soft. Away from heat, stir in cream and lemon juice. Taste and fix the salt and pepper.
Easy Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Easy Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | tastyhush.com

We found out that adding some crunchy bacon bits on top really takes this soup up a notch. The smoky flavor mixed with the lemon creates a surprising but awesome combo.

Adaptable and Storage Smart

This soup has become what I always bring to new moms and dads in our neighborhood. Its bright taste and easy eating make it just right for those crazy first weeks with a newborn.

I often cook twice as much and freeze portions (leaving out the gnocchi) for quick dinners. Just throw in fresh gnocchi while warming it up for the best texture.

What amazes me is how this dish works for both casual family meals and fancy dinner parties with friends.

The way this soup blends Italian and American comfort food creates something uniquely tasty that folks of all ages go crazy for.

Yummy Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Yummy Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | tastyhush.com

After enjoying this soup countless times, I've realized it's not just about the warmth it gives, but how it brightens the gloomiest winter days. The mix of juicy chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and zingy lemon creates something truly magical that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is a gluten-free version possible?
Absolutely! Swap in gluten-free gnocchi and double-check your other ingredients for certification.
→ What are the steps for a vegan soup?
Use veggies instead of chicken, swap butter for a plant-based option, and choose coconut cream and vegan cheese.
→ Can I store leftovers in the freezer?
Yes, pop it into your freezer for up to 6 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before heating up.
→ What does the All-Purpose Blend include?
The blend has garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and black pepper.
→ How long will leftovers stay fresh?
Keep them in the fridge and try to eat within 2 or 3 days for the best taste.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

A hearty soup blending fluffy potato gnocchi, lemon-zest chicken, and kale in a creamy, flavorful broth.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian with American twist

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Lemony Baked Chicken

01 2 lbs of organic chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
03 1 fresh lemon, sliced into rounds
04 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel
05 Salt and pepper as needed

→ Flavorful Soup Base

06 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
07 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
08 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
09 4 fresh thyme sprigs
10 2 teaspoons of all-purpose spice mix
11 1 teaspoon of sea salt

→ Toppings and Finishings

12 4 tablespoons of organic flour
13 5 cups of chicken broth or stock
14 Juice from a fresh lemon
15 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel
16 1 1/2 cups of organic heavy cream
17 2 cups of kale, chopped and stems removed
18 1 cup of parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Step 01

Heat the oven to 400°F. Lay out seasoned chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil. Pour olive oil on top, then season with pepper and salt. Add lemon slices and grated zest. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken turns golden and is cooked. Let it cool before slicing.

Step 02

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter and cook minced garlic for 1 or 2 minutes until it smells amazing. Toss in flour, salt, and seasoning, and give everything a good mix.

Step 03

Add chicken stock gradually, constantly stirring to keep it smooth. Then add the cream, lemon juice, zest, kale, thyme, gnocchi, and sliced chicken. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the gnocchi floats and softens.

Step 04

Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the soup and stir until it melts into a creamy texture. Let it simmer for another minute or two. Make sure to pull out the thyme sprigs before serving. Pair with bread or salad, if you like.

Notes

  1. Refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days or freeze them for 4-6 months.
  2. Swap gnocchi for gluten-free versions and check labels if you need everything GF.
  3. For a plant-based option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace chicken with a vegan alternative.
  4. DIY all-purpose seasoning: combine pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, thyme, and parsley in equal parts.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Tray for the oven
  • Foil or parchment for lining tray
  • Cheese and lemon zest grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (cheese, cream, butter)
  • Contains gluten (gnocchi, flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 844
  • Total Fat: 59 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 61 g