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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

As seen in: Comforting Soups & Stews: Warm Bowls of Flavor and Goodness

Tender gnocchi, lemon-flavored chicken, and soft kale come together in a velvety broth rich with cream, parmesan, and thyme. The soup shines with its citrusy kick and smooth, hearty base. Options for using homemade or store-bought gnocchi are included, along with tips for gluten-free and vegan preparations.
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Refreshed on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 21:25:01 GMT
Hearty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Kale Save it
Hearty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Kale | iamcooker.com

This hearty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup blends juicy chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and zesty citrus in a smooth, fulfilling broth. It's a bowl of pure comfort on cold nights, showing that filling food can be both substantial and invigorating.

During one freezing night, I dished this soup up for pals who'd just settled in our neighborhood. The way it brought coziness to our get-together while firing up talks about beloved comfort dishes made it a must-keep in my food lineup.

Key Ingredients - Your Flavor Foundation

  • Chicken: Go for boneless, skinless thighs as they're juicier and more flavorful
  • Gnocchi: Either fresh or packaged works great - potato gnocchi gives the nicest bite
  • Lemon: You'll need both peel and juice - grab fresh ones for the punchiest taste
  • Kale: Pick young, soft leaves and toss out any woody stems
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onion set up your taste base

Crafting Your Delightful Bowl

Step 1 - Get Cooking:
Warm olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to chicken bits and cook till golden. Put chicken aside while making the soup base.
Step 2 - Layer Your Tastes:
Cook onions till clear and sweet-smelling. Toss in garlic and stir till you smell its aroma. Mix in flour to make a light paste for thickness.
Step 3 - Form Your Soup:
Pour in broth bit by bit, stirring all the time to avoid clumps. Put chicken back in and simmer till soft. Drop in gnocchi and cook just till they bob up.
Step 4 - Nail The Ending:
Mix in kale till it softens. Turn off heat before adding cream and lemon juice. Taste and tweak seasoning if needed.
Warming Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Save it
Warming Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | iamcooker.com

We found out that adding a handful of crunchy bacon on top really kicks this soup up a notch. The smoky touch mixed with the lemon creates a surprising but awesome flavor combo.

Adaptability and Keeping

This soup has turned into my favorite gift for new moms and dads in our area. Its bright flavors and easy eating make it just right for those crazy first weeks with a baby.

I often cook twice as much and freeze portions (leaving out the gnocchi) for quick dinners. Just throw in fresh gnocchi when warming it up for the best texture.

I'm always amazed at how flexible this recipe is - it fits in perfectly at both casual family meals and fancy dinner parties.

The way this soup mixes Italian and American comfort food makes something uniquely yummy that folks of all ages love.

Tasty Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Save it
Tasty Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | iamcooker.com

After many bowls of this soup, I've noticed it's not just about the warmth it gives but how it brightens up the gloomiest winter day. The mix of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and zingy lemon makes something truly special that folks can't get enough of.

Common Questions

→ Can I make this without gluten?
Yes! Swap in gluten-free gnocchi and make sure other items are certified gluten-free.
→ Is there a vegan version of this?
Sure! Sub in veggies for chicken, use vegan butter, coconut cream, and plant-based cheese.
→ Will this freeze well?
Yes, it stays good in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. Just thaw before reheating.
→ What’s in the All-Purpose Blend?
It’s a mix of garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, parsley, and dried oregano.
→ How long will leftovers last?
Pop them in the fridge and they’ll stay fresh 2-3 days.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This creamy soup brings together tender gnocchi, zesty chicken baked with lemon, and kale in a flavorful herb-spiced broth.

Preparation
20 Mins
Cooking Duration
35 Mins
Complete Duration
55 Mins
By: sofia


Complexity: Moderate

Origin: Italian-American

Output: 6 Portions

Diet Types: ~

What You'll Need

→ Lemon-Baked Chicken

01 2 pounds of chicken breasts, organic if possible
02 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
03 1 lemon, thinly sliced
04 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, fresh
05 Salt and black pepper to your taste

→ Soup Starter

06 16 ounces of gnocchi, supermarket-bought or homemade
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
09 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
10 2 teaspoons of any all-purpose spice mix
11 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt

→ Soup Final Touches

12 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, organic if desired
13 5 cups of chicken broth or stock, organic if preferred
14 Juice from 1 fresh lemon
15 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest
16 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, organic
17 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped into small pieces
18 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated just before use

Preparation Steps

01 Step

Set your oven to 400°F. Arrange the chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon slices. Bake for around 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Let it cool a bit, then slice it up.

02 Step

Melt the butter in a big pot or dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté until it smells fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour with the spice mix and salt, stirring until it’s all evenly combined.

03 Step

Pour the chicken stock in slowly while stirring to avoid clumps. Add the kale, cream, thyme sprigs, lemon juice, lemon zest, gnocchi, and your sliced baked chicken. Let it all gently cook for 10-12 minutes until the gnocchi floats and is soft.

04 Step

Toss in the parmesan cheese and stir until it fully melts, making the soup creamy. Cook an extra 1-2 minutes if needed. Take out the thyme sprigs and serve while it’s steaming hot, maybe with some crusty bread or a side salad.

Additional Tips

  1. Store leftovers for up to 2-3 days in the fridge or freeze for 4-6 months.
  2. Switch to gluten-free gnocchi and check other items to make this GF-friendly.
  3. Go vegan by swapping chicken with plant-based options and heavy cream with coconut milk or cream.
  4. Make an all-purpose blend by mixing equal parts garlic powder, parsley, oregano, thyme, black pepper.

Required Equipment

  • A big pot or dutch oven for the soup
  • Baking tray for the chicken
  • Parchment or foil to line your baking tray
  • Grater for zesting lemons and shredding cheese

Allergen Notice

Review ingredients for possible allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Includes dairy like butter, cream, and parmesan.
  • Uses gluten in items like gnocchi and flour.

Nutritional Information (Each Portion)

Consider these values as estimates rather than definitive health guidance.
  • Energy: 844
  • Fat Content: 59 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Protein Content: 61 g