Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Indulge in the cozy comforts of winter with our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This hearty dish brings together juicy, tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and the bright zest of lemon, all swimming in a luxurious creamy base. Perfect for warming up on cold days, this soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Get ready to warm your soul with each comforting bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor – The combination of lemon and creamy chicken creates a delightful balance that warms the heart.
• Quick Preparation – With a total time of just 30 minutes, this soup fits perfectly into busy schedules.
• Kid-Friendly – The rich taste and fun texture of gnocchi make it appealing to children of all ages.
• Versatile Dish – Enjoy it as a main course or lunch option; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Gluten-Free & Vegan Option – Easily adaptable for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot – This is crucial for simmering your soup evenly without spilling over.
• Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring ingredients gently, ensuring everything blends perfectly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.
• Knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken safely.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced thin
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Sea salt + black pepper, to taste

For the Gnocchi

• 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought (I like to use Delallo foods)

For Flavoring

• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 tsp sea salt

For Thickening

• 4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour

For the Creamy Finish

• 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
• 1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream

For Adding Greens

• 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed + chopped

For Garnishing

• 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with sea salt and black pepper. Add them to the pot and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic and thyme sprigs. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle in the flour while stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until it turns lightly golden.

Step 4: Pour in Stock and Simmer

Gradually add the chicken stock/broth while stirring. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Kale

Add the gnocchi along with chopped kale. Cook until gnocchi floats to the top indicating they are done.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Stir in heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated parmesan cheese. Allow everything to heat through before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement the flavors of this comforting dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme leaves: Add a few fresh thyme leaves as a garnish to enhance the aromatic qualities of the soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough bread: Serve warm slices of crusty sourdough for dipping, which pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
• Garlic bread: The savory flavor of garlic bread complements the lemony notes in the soup.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad can provide a crunchy texture to balance the smoothness of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its flavors and textures. Follow these tips for an exceptional dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a well-balanced flavor.
• Add lemon at the end: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice just before serving to maintain its bright flavor.
• Cook gnocchi separately: For optimal texture, cook gnocchi in boiling water before adding them to the soup to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Complement your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup with these delicious side dishes. Each option adds variety and enhances your meal.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting until tender.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing provides a nutritious balance.
3. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with melted cheese are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
4. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with chicken.
5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad made with mayonnaise or yogurt provides a rich side that complements the soup’s flavors.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices make for a hearty accompaniment that rounds out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easier than it seems, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning your broth properly can make your soup bland. Always taste as you go and adjust the sea salt and black pepper to your preference.

• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the gnocchi can turn them mushy. Follow the package instructions for cooking times and add them at the right moment in the recipe.

• Bold cream addition: Adding heavy cream too early can cause it to curdle. Stir it in just before serving for that smooth, creamy texture.

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using low-quality or alternative ingredients can affect flavor. Stick with fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables for the best results.

• Bold blending textures: Skipping steps like sautéing garlic or thyme can result in a lack of depth. Always incorporate these steps for maximum flavor in your soup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

What makes this soup creamy?

The combination of heavy cream and chicken stock creates a rich, velvety texture that makes this soup indulgent and comforting.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream for a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

How do I customize my Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots or peas, or swap chicken for turkey or beef if you prefer different flavors.

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Perfect for warming up on cold winter evenings, we encourage you to try this hearty dish today!