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Heavenly Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Done Right.

This heavenly lemon chicken gnocchi soup is all about the satisfying combination of pillowy gnocchi, roasted chicken glowing with lemon flavor, and tender kale, all mixed into a super smooth cream broth seasoned gently with herbs and Parmesan cheese. It starts with chicken breasts baked alongside lemony zest and slices, then blends them into a luxurious mixture with a heavy cream base. What truly sets it apart is the citrusy brightness that perfectly complements the creaminess. Customize it for gluten-free or vegan diets, and try it with your favorite store-bought or homemade gnocchi.
Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:29:37 GMT
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Cozy Bowl of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | thefamilycooks.com

A cozy bowl of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings together succulent chicken, tender potato dumplings, and fresh citrus in a silky, rich broth. This warming soup delivers hearty satisfaction with a bright, uplifting twist that makes it perfect for cold weather meals.

This soup became an instant classic during a snowy evening dinner with new neighbors. The way it brought warmth and comfort to our table while encouraging conversation about cherished family recipes made it an immediate addition to my collection.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: Boneless thighs provide rich flavor and stay tender
  • Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi work well
  • Lemon: Fresh zest and juice provide essential brightness
  • Kale: Young, tender leaves work best
  • Aromatics: Fresh onion and garlic create the flavor base

Cooking Method

Step 1 - Prepare the Base:
Brown seasoned chicken in olive oil using a heavy pot. Remove and reserve.
Step 2 - Layer Flavors:
Cook onions until soft and golden. Add garlic briefly. Stir in flour to thicken.
Step 3 - Develop the Soup:
Pour in broth gradually while stirring. Return chicken and simmer. Add gnocchi and cook until they rise.
Step 4 - Final Touches:
Fold in kale. Remove from heat before adding cream and lemon.
Easy Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Easy Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | thefamilycooks.com

Through kitchen experiments, we found that crumbled bacon garnish adds delightful contrast, with its smoky notes complementing the bright lemon perfectly.

Storage and Serving Ideas

This recipe has proven invaluable for meal deliveries to growing families. Its nourishing qualities and easy eating make it ideal for busy households.

The soup base freezes beautifully without gnocchi - simply add fresh dumplings while reheating for best results.

From casual weeknight dinners to special occasions, this soup adapts effortlessly to any setting.

The blend of classic Italian and American comfort flavors creates an appealing dish for every generation.

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

Years of making this soup have proven its ability to lift spirits on gray days. The harmony of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and bright citrus creates an enduring recipe that satisfies deeply.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this soup be gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the gnocchi for a gluten-free version and make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
→ Is there a vegan-friendly option?
Of course! Replace the chicken with veggies, opt for vegan butter, use coconut cream, and try plant-based cheese substitutes.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yep! It freezes well for up to 4-6 months. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
→ What’s this All-Purpose Blend?
That’s a mix of handy staples like garlic powder, oregano, parsley, thyme, and black pepper.
→ How long does it stay good in the fridge?
Pop leftovers in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

A rich soup made with fluffy gnocchi, lemon-roasted chicken, and fresh kale, all swimming in a creamy, herb-packed broth.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Baked Lemon Chicken

01 2 pounds of free-range chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons of pure olive oil
03 1 fresh lemon, sliced into thin rounds
04 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel
05 Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to your taste

→ Soup Base

06 16 ounces of gnocchi (homemade or store-bought)
07 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
08 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
09 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
10 2 teaspoons of a seasoning mix for general use
11 A teaspoon of sea salt

→ Soup Finishing

12 4 tablespoons of regular flour, preferably organic
13 5 cups of chicken broth or stock
14 Juice squeezed from 1 lemon
15 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
16 1 and a half cups of heavy cream (organic is ideal)
17 2 cups of kale leaves, stems removed and chopped up
18 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F. On a baking tray lined with parchment or foil, lay out the chicken. Drizzle it with olive oil and season with pepper and salt. Place lemon zest and slices on top. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping once midway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Let it cool for a bit and then cut into slices.

Step 02

Using a dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Toss in your minced garlic and cook just enough to release its aroma, about 1-2 minutes. Blend in the flour, salt, and seasoning until smooth.

Step 03

Pour in the chicken stock slowly while stirring so no clumps form. Mix in the heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, kale leaves, thyme sprigs, sliced chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer everything for about 10-12 minutes until the gnocchi rises to the top and feels soft.

Step 04

Blend in the Parmesan and let it melt until the soup becomes creamy. Cook another minute or two before serving warm. Remember to remove the thyme stems! Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad if you like.

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them for 4-6 months.
  2. You can make this gluten-free by switching to gluten-free gnocchi and checking all other ingredients as safe.
  3. For a vegan twist, swap the chicken with plant-based options and the heavy cream with coconut cream.
  4. A basic seasoning mix can be made by combining equal amounts of garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and parsley.

Tools You'll Need

  • A heavy-duty dutch oven or any large pot.
  • A baking sheet for the chicken.
  • Foil or parchment to line the baking tray.
  • A grater for cheese and lemon zest.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains gluten due to the use of flour and gnocchi.

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