If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in a single pan, this Buttery Herb Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet is exactly what your weeknight needs. Juicy chicken breast pieces cooked to perfection alongside pillowy gnocchi, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fragrant herbs. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Plus, the sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet is a delicious way to satisfy your dinner cravings with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, buttery, and herby goodness in every bite.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Adapt the herbs and spices to your liking.
What’s in the Bowl
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the buttery herb flavors.
- 2 cups of gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding a fruity base note.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, creating richness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic pungency that complements the herbs.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and forms the sauce together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a piney, woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese, grated for serving: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Brightens and freshens every bite with a pop of color and flavor.
Appliances & Accessories
- Large skillet or sauté pan: A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat and prevents sticking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing the chicken and chopping herbs.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate seasoning and ingredient portions.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring without scratching your pan.
- Grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Stepwise Method: Buttery Herb Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely, and have your dried herbs measured and ready. Chop fresh parsley for garnish, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet. Toss them gently in the buttery garlic mixture to coat. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, then sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the top. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer Together
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it in among the gnocchi. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the skillet, letting it melt slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Dietary Customizations
- Make it dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil and omit the Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free gnocchi made from potatoes and rice flour.
- Extra veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms during the simmer step for added nutrition and color.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat.
Flavor Logic
The success of this Buttery Herb Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet lies in its balance of rich, savory, and fresh elements. The butter creates a luscious mouthfeel and carries the aromatic garlic and herbs throughout the dish. Chicken breast pieces provide a mild canvas that absorbs the herbaceous notes of thyme and rosemary. Gnocchi offers a pillowy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami finish, and fresh parsley injects a lively brightness to every bite.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This skillet dish keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. It also freezes well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For meal prep, portion into individual containers and top with fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy even longer. Just dice them similarly and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No need! This recipe cooks the gnocchi directly in the skillet with the broth, allowing it to absorb the flavors and cook through in about 5-7 minutes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be swapped in. Use about 1 tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary, added towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep and freezing?
Yes, it reheats well and freezes beautifully. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing, and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Bring It Home
This Buttery Herb Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a soul-satisfying, flavor-packed meal with just a little love and patience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this skillet offers the perfect blend of buttery richness, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a plate of pure comfort tonight.
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Buttery Herb Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Measure dried herbs. Chop fresh parsley for garnish and grate Parmesan cheese.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add gnocchi directly to skillet. Toss gently in buttery garlic mixture to coat. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary. Stir well to combine.
- Return seared chicken to skillet, nestling it among the gnocchi. Simmer 5-7 minutes until gnocchi is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over skillet, letting it melt slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot straight from skillet.
Notes
- Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
- Substitute gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free option.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms during simmering for added nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth if needed.
