Family Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Peas and Parmesan Crumble
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Recipes
Intermediate

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.

25 minPrep
35 minCook
60 minTotal
6Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
6
  • 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

675 kcal
Calories
36 g
Protein
55 g
Carbs
33 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
51 g
Net carbs

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

GlutenDairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Lightly grease a large baking dish with a little of the olive oil.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7

    Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

  8. 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. 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. 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 image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori 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
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-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
    View on Amazon

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