Easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

In the world of easy chicken recipes, few can compete with the simplicity and flavour of a well-crafted garlic chicken gnocchi skillet. This dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, a rich, garlicky cream sauce, and fresh vegetables all cooked in a single skillet. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

The garlic chicken gnocchi skillet recipe is not only easy but also versatile, offering a unique twist on classic Italian comfort food. Gnocchi, which has its roots in Italy, is a type of pasta made from potatoes, and it pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce in this dish. The addition of garlic gives it a distinctively savoury flavour, making each bite both satisfying and aromatic.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner for the family or something impressive to serve at a gathering, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet will become a go-to meal you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Skillet

Creating the perfect garlic chicken gnocchi skillet starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in bringing out the dish’s full flavour.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe, providing juicy, flavorful meat that won’t dry out during cooking. They also absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 lb potato gnocchi (gluten-free option available) – Gnocchi, the star of the dish, can be purchased pre-made, saving you time. Choose gluten-free gnocchi if you need to accommodate dietary preferences.
• 5 tbsp butter or ghee – Butter or ghee adds richness to the dish and helps sauté the chicken and vegetables to perfection.
• 1 cup chicken broth – A flavorful broth provides the base for the sauce, adding depth without overwhelming the dish.
• ½ cup half and half (or heavy cream) – Half and half gives the sauce a lighter creaminess. For a richer, more indulgent sauce, you can opt for heavy cream.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella – Mozzarella melts wonderfully and adds a lovely stretch and mild flavour to the sauce.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – The onion provides a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the cream and the garlic.
• 1 cup diced white mushrooms – Mushrooms introduce an earthy element to the dish that complements the chicken and gnocchi.
• 3 cups spinach – Fresh spinach adds colour and nutrition, as well as a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• 2 tbsp minced garlic – Garlic is the flavour backbone of the dish, adding depth and warmth to the creamy sauce.
• 1.5 tsp paprika – Paprika lends a touch of smokiness and mild heat, enhancing the flavour of the chicken and sauce.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme brings a subtle Italian flair to the skillet.
• Salt and pepper to taste – These simple seasonings elevate the dish, rounding out all the flavours.
• Optional toppings: Parsley, parmesan, red pepper chilli flakes – Garnishing with fresh herbs, cheese, or a dash of heat gives your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet a final touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Cook Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

The process of making this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is simple and straightforward, ensuring you can have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour.

• Prep: Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions and set aside.
• Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5-10 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
• Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced onion and mushrooms, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken. Add the half and half (or heavy cream) and whisk until smooth. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it slightly.
• Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi are well coated in the creamy sauce.
• Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let the skillet simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is heated through.
• Serve: Garnish with optional toppings such as freshly chopped parsley, grated parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper chilli flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Customize This Recipe to Fit Your Taste

The beauty of the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize the recipe:

Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables to suit your taste or to make the dish even more nutritious. Try throwing in halved cherry tomatoes, extra spinach, or sautéed zucchini for more colour and flavour.

Cheese Please: While mozzarella adds a creamy texture, you can swap it out for other cheeses such as Gorgonzola for a sharper, more pungent flavour or Asiago for a nuttier twist.

Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while sautéing the garlic. This will elevate the flavour profile with a subtle but welcome spice.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet: A cast-iron skillet or a deep sauté pan is ideal for even heat distribution and allows you to cook everything in one pan without spills.

Cook chicken in batches: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a proper golden crust on both sides.

Adjust sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and flavour: Ensure the sauce is creamy but not overly heavy by adjusting the half and half to suit your preference. You want the sauce to coat the gnocchi without overwhelming the dish.

Make it gluten-free or dairy-free: To make the recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free gnocchi. For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Your Sauce is Too Thin (and How to Fix It): If the sauce doesn’t thicken to your liking, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If it’s still too runny, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.

What to Do if the Gnocchi Are Too Soft or Mushy: If your gnocchi are too soft, make sure they are cooked just until they float in boiling water. Overcooking them can lead to a mushy texture.

How to Fix Overcooked Chicken and Keep It Tender: If the chicken is overcooked and dry, shred it into bite-sized pieces and stir it back into the sauce to rehydrate and soften.

Serving Suggestions: How to Make This Meal Even More Delicious

• Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten up the dish and add a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Serve with garlic bread for a comforting side that complements the rich flavours of the gnocchi skillet.
• Present directly from the skillet for a rustic, “restaurant-style” presentation that’s both practical and impressive.

Conclusion

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet recipe offers a perfect combination of flavours, textures, and convenience. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a rich, comforting meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation. Versatile, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and again. Try it for yourself and experience the magic of garlic chicken gnocchi in a skillet!