
Family Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Peas and Parmesan Crumble
A comforting and original family-style dish featuring tender gnocchi, lemon-seared chicken, sweet peas, and a silky cream sauce, all baked under a crisp Parmesan herb crumble. Perfect for a satisfying dinner served in the center of the table.
Ingredients
- 600 g diced chicken breast (in 1 to 1.5-inch pieces)
- 800 g potato gnocchi (fresh or refrigerated)
- 200 g frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 150 g yellow onion, chopped (finely chopped)
- 12 g garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
- 1 unit lemon zest (yellow part only)
- 45 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 250 ml heavy cream (heavy cream)
- 240 ml chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
- 90 g grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 50 g breadcrumbs (for the topping)
- 30 g butter (melted)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 2 g dried thyme (divided)
- 15 g fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Lightly grease a large baking dish with a little of the olive oil.
- 2
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the dried thyme.
- 3
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until sealed on the outside but not fully cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
- 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the onion for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- 5
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining lemon juice, remaining lemon zest, 60 g Parmesan, remaining thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the cheese melts and the sauce comes together.
- 6
Add the potato gnocchi, frozen peas, browned chicken, and half of the parsley to the skillet. Mix well so everything is coated in the sauce.
- 7
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- 8
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining 30 g Parmesan, and the rest of the parsley. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the dish.
- 9
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden. For extra color, broil for 1 to 2 additional minutes, watching closely.
- 10
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle and the gnocchi absorb more flavor.
Chef tips
For the best texture, use fresh gnocchi and do not pre-boil them; they finish cooking in the sauce. If your baking dish is very full, place it on a sheet pan to catch any bubbling overflows.
Substitutions
You can swap the peas for finely cut tender green beans. Parmesan can be replaced with Grana Padano. For a different herbal note, use chives in place of some of the parsley.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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