If you’re craving a light and fresh dinner that feels like a warm hug- look no further than this one pan lemon chicken gnocchi! We’re swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream, creating a zesty, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the pillowy gnocchi and tender pan-fried chicken. This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together in easy steps for a perfect weeknight meal. Forget takeout! This ultimate comfort food is bursting with spring flavors thanks to the bright lemon juice. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy dinner for two or a delightful spread for a dinner party, this naturally dairy free dish is sure to impress. Get ready for a flavor explosion with every bite – tender chicken, luxurious lemon cream and of course, those irresistible gnocchi! Plus, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in one pan for easy clean up! You’ll have this meal on the dinner table in no time. If you love this lemon cream sauce, make sure to also check out my gluten free meatball recipe because I pair them with this delicious lemon sauce as well!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
It is the perfect easy dinner for spring!
This gnocchi is cozy and comforting yet light.
It is made with the most delicious lemon cream sauce.
This dinner is ready in about 30 minutes!
It uses simple ingredients.
This dish is packed with flavor and zest.
It is all made in one pan for fewer dishes and easy clean up!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this lemon chicken gnocchi is a large skillet, cutting board, a mixing spoon and measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients Needed
Oil: I used avocado oil to coat the pan to make the chicken. The creamy lemon sauce also uses oil!
Chicken: I like to use organic and high quality meat whenever I can. I used skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. My favorite place to get my meat and fish is ButcherBox because they have organic and high-quality options and it gets delivered right to your door!
Pepper: Black pepper adds a delicious flavor to this lemon chicken gnocchi!
Garlic: I used garlic powder here because it makes this recipe easy, but feel free to also use fresh minced garlic instead.
Salt: My favorite salt is Redmond’s Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond’s website. I used salt on the chicken and also in the lemon cream sauce.
Onion: I love the flavor of sweet onion for this creamy lemon sauce. This works best if the onion is very finely minced!
Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is what makes the lemon sauce creamy and delicious! It is the base of the sauce and it also makes the sauce dairy free.
Lemon: The lemon juice is the star of the lemon sauce and gives it a fresh, light and lemony flavor!
Gnocchi: I used gluten free gnocchi because I am gluten free. Feel free to use any kind of gnocchi you love! If you are a gnocchi fan make sure to check out my chicken gnocchi soup as well!
Basil: Basil adds a fresh touch to this lemon gnocchi.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Coat your skillet with oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt and pepper on both sides of chicken. Sear chicken until golden brown on medium-high heat and cook until done.
Step 3: While chicken is cooking, dice onion and slice lemon in half. Cut one half of the lemon into slices and use the other half for lemon juice.
Step 4: Put chicken aside and wipe out the pan. Add more oil to the bottom and sauté onions until browned.
Step 5: Add the coconut cream, oil and 3 tbsp lemon juice. Pour in gnocchi and cook until soft.
Step 6: Top dish with chicken, lemon slices and basil and enjoy!
How to Sear Chicken
Pat the chicken dry. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken. Moisture prevents browning.
Season generously. Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt, garlic powder and pepper. Don’t be shy – a good amount of seasoning is key for flavorful chicken.
Heat your pan. Use a heavy-bottomed pan (cast iron skillet is ideal) over medium-high heat. Let the pan get hot for a few minutes. A hot pan ensures proper searing.
Add oil. Once the pan is hot, add just enough oil to coat the bottom.
Sear the chicken. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan, leaving some space between them. Once you see a nice golden brown crust on the bottom of the chicken, use a spatula to gently peek underneath. If it’s browned and releases easily from the pan, it’s ready to flip.
Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Storage
Store this creamy lemon chicken gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat, use the microwave or reheat in a skillet until hot.
Variations
Gnocchi: I used potato gnocchi in this recipe, but feel free to try out another gnocchi like cauliflower gnocchi, sweet potato gnocchi or fresh homemade gnocchi.
Chicken: I used chicken breasts in this recipe, but feel free to try using chicken thighs instead.
Cream: I used coconut cream in this one-pan meal, but feel free to use regular cream if you do not have that on hand and you do not follow a dairy free diet!
Toppings: I topped this lemon chicken gnocchi with lemon slices, basil and chicken, but feel free to add additional toppings. Try adding parmesan cheese (vegan, if needed) or topping with red pepper flakes or lemon zest. You could also try swapping out the basil for fresh spinach.
Seasoning: Add some extra flavor by mixing up the chicken seasoning! Try out lemon pepper seasoning or Italian seasoning.
Additional Flavors: If you are looking for additional flavors, try adding white wine to the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this creamy lemon chicken gnocchi on busy weeknights or for a dinner party. It is the perfect meal that your whole family will love! You can serve it alongside lemon wedges and a baby spinach salad.
Recipe FAQ
Is this dish gluten free?
This dish is gluten free if you use gluten free gnocchi and make sure your seasoning is gluten free.
Is this lemon chicken gnocchi dairy free?
Yes, this meal is dairy free as long as you use coconut cream and make sure your gnocchi is dairy free.
Can you make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can make this vegan by omitting the chicken, but I do think the protein is a very important component of this meal.
Can you make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made 3-4 days ahead of time but it tastes the best when served fresh!
Can you use homemade gnocchi for this dish?
Of course!
Related Recipes
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If you make this lemon chicken gnocchi and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 sweet onion
- 1 cup canned coconut cream
- 1 lemon
- 1 package gnocchi
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Coat your skillet with oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt and pepper on both sides of chicken. Sear chicken until golden brown on medium-high heat and cook until done.
- While chicken is cooking, dice onion and slice lemon in half. Cut one half of the lemon into slices and use the other half for lemon juice.
- Put chicken aside and wipe out the pan. Add more oil to the bottom and sauté onions until browned.
- Add the coconut cream, oil and 3 tbsp lemon juice. Pour in gnocchi and cook until soft.
- Top dish with chicken, lemon slices and basil and enjoy!
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