There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy goodness on a chilly evening. This Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, savory sauce into a single pot. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels gourmet but comes together with surprising ease, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. If you love a good creamy gnocchi dish, this will be your new favorite.
We’re taking the classic comfort of chicken and dumplings and giving it a delightful Italian twist with soft, potato gnocchi. The result is a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings Recipe
This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks. It simplifies a classic comfort dish without sacrificing any of the flavor. You get the heartiness of a stew and the delightful texture of dumplings in one simple, elegant dish.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven or large pot, which means minimal cleanup.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A savory blend of herbs, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce creates a rich, satisfying taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The soft gnocchi are always a crowd-pleaser.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create its incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Chicken and Veggies
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, provide the lean protein base.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables for a rich flavor foundation.
- Mirepoix: The classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery builds the aromatic base of the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a robust, savory flavor.
- Potato Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi work perfectly here, transforming into tender, soft dumplings.
For the Creamy Sauce
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps to thicken the sauce into a luscious, velvety consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth as it makes up a significant portion of the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich sauce.
- Herbs & Spices: A simple blend of dried thyme, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, bright flavor at the end.
How to Make Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings Step-by-Step
Making these creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Simmer: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Return the seared chicken to the pot.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream and the potato gnocchi. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through and have floated to the top, and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation.
Tips for the Best Dumplings
A few simple tips can elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cook quickly. As soon as they float to the surface, they’re done. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Use Good Quality Broth: The flavor of your chicken broth is central to the dish, so use one you enjoy the taste of.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried thyme works well for simmering, finishing with fresh parsley brightens the entire dish.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to make it your own with these simple swaps.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Different Protein: Try this recipe with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even leftover shredded roasted Cornish hen.
- Make it Lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter, though less rich, sauce.
What to Serve With Your Dumplings
This one-pot meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
- A Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of honey-roasted carrots or air fryer broccoli complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add about a cup of chopped spinach, frozen peas, or sliced mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the best results.
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen gnocchi. There is no need to thaw them first. Simply add them directly to the simmering sauce and cook for an extra 1-2 minutes until they are tender and float to the top.
While similar in concept, this recipe uses Italian-style potato gnocchi instead of traditional biscuit-like dumplings. This gives the dish a slightly different, denser texture and makes it a unique and delicious hybrid of classic American comfort food and Italian cuisine.
The flour in the recipe creates a roux that should thicken the sauce perfectly. If you find it’s still not as thick as you’d like, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes, as it will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
The Best Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings Recipe
Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings: A Cozy, One-Pot Wonder
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Return the seared chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the potato gnocchi. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through and have floated to the top, and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Don't be afraid to season generously at each step to build layers of flavor.
Ensure the gnocchi are fully cooked by checking if they float to the surface of the sauce.
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