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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Featured in Big pots of steaming, hearty soup.

This rich lemon gnocchi chicken soup mixes soft potato gnocchi with roasted citrus chicken and kale in a creamy broth. It starts with baked chicken topped with lemon zest and slices, blended with nuggets of gnocchi in a velvety mix of cream, parmesan, and thyme. The fresh lemon flavor lifts the rich soup base. You can adapt it to be gluten-free or vegan and use either pre-made or homemade gnocchi.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:48:31 GMT
Cozy Lemon Gnocchi Chicken Soup Pin it
Cozy Lemon Gnocchi Chicken Soup | tasteofsavor.com

This hearty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings together juicy chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and zesty citrus in a smooth, filling broth. It's just what you need on cold nights - this mood-lifting soup shows that feel-good food can be both filling and zingy.

I whipped this soup up during a freezing winter night for some friends who'd just bought a house nearby. Everyone went quiet as they took their first spoonful, then suddenly the table was buzzing with stories about comfort foods from childhood. It's now a staple in my cooking lineup.

Key Ingredients - Your Soup Foundation

  • Chicken: Go for boneless, skinless thighs - they're juicier and pack more flavor
  • Gnocchi: Either fresh or packaged works great - potato ones give you the fluffiest texture
  • Lemon: You'll need both peel and juice - always go fresh for the brightest kick
  • Kale: Pick young, soft leaves and ditch those tough stems
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onion set up your flavor base

Crafting Your Delicious Soup

Step 1 - Begin With Chicken:
Pour olive oil into a big, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Take them out and set aside while you work on the soup base.
Step 2 - Layer Your Flavors:
Cook onions until they're see-through and smell good. Toss in garlic and cook just until you can smell it. Sprinkle in flour to make a light thickener.
Step 3 - Build Your Soup:
Pour in broth bit by bit, stirring the whole time so it doesn't get lumpy. Put chicken back in and let it simmer until soft. Throw in gnocchi and cook just until they pop up to the top.
Step 4 - Add Final Touches:
Mix in kale and let it wilt down. Turn off the heat before adding cream and lemon juice. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Warm Zesty Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings Pin it
Warm Zesty Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings | tasteofsavor.com

My kids accidentally discovered that crumbled bacon on top makes this soup incredible. Something about that smoky taste mixed with the tangy lemon just works so well together.

Many Ways To Enjoy

This soup has become what I bring to friends who've just had babies. The bright taste and easy eating make it perfect when you're too tired to cook or even think.

I always make extra and freeze some (without adding the gnocchi) for busy nights. I just toss in fresh gnocchi while warming it up and it's perfect every time.

What amazes me is how this soup fits everywhere - it works for regular family dinners but also feels fancy enough for company.

The way it mixes Italian and American comfort food creates something really special that everyone from kids to grandparents loves.

Cozy Winter Chicken Soup with Fluffy Dumplings Pin it
Cozy Winter Chicken Soup with Fluffy Dumplings | tasteofsavor.com

After making this soup countless times, I've realized it's not just about warming you up, but how it brightens even the gloomiest winter day. The combo of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and zippy lemon creates something truly magical that has people asking for seconds and thirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely—just swap in gluten-free gnocchi and double-check all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
→ How do I make it vegan?
Use plant-based alternatives like roasted veggies, vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese.
→ Can this soup be frozen?
Yep, pop it in your freezer for 4-6 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
→ What’s in the seasoning mix?
It’s a tasty blend of garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
→ How long will leftovers keep?
Store in the fridge for a couple of days—2 to 3 max for the freshest taste.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A creamy soup loaded with tender gnocchi, citrus-roasted chicken, and sautéed kale, served in an herby and rich broth.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Oven-Baked Lemon Chicken

01 2 pounds of organic chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
03 1 fresh lemon, sliced thin
04 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest
05 Sea salt and black pepper to your liking

→ Base for Soup

06 16 ounces of potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
07 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
08 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
09 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
10 2 teaspoons of an all-purpose seasoning mix
11 1 teaspoon of sea salt

→ Soup Toppings and Add-Ons

12 4 tablespoons of organic all-purpose flour
13 5 cups of chicken broth or stock
14 Juice from 1 fresh lemon
15 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest
16 1 1/2 cups of organic heavy cream
17 2 cups of fresh kale, chopped and without stems
18 1 cup of parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven preheated to 400°F. Put your nicely seasoned chicken breasts onto a baking sheet covered with parchment or foil. Add olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, then top with lemon slices and zest. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and done. Let it cool a bit, then slice it up.

Step 02

Melt butter in a big pot (Dutch oven works great) on medium heat. Cook garlic until you can smell it, taking about 1 to 2 minutes. Toss in flour, seasoning mix, and salt, then stir until combined.

Step 03

Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly so it stays smooth. Mix in heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, kale, thyme, sliced chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until gnocchi is soft and floating.

Step 04

Stir parmesan into the soup until melted and creamy. Let it simmer for another minute or two. Take out thyme sprigs before serving. Enjoy it warm, maybe with a side of bread or salad!

Notes

  1. You can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days (2-3) or freeze for 4-6 months.
  2. To make this gluten-free, use GF gnocchi and double-check all ingredients are GF-safe.
  3. For a plant-based version, swap the chicken with vegan substitutes and replace the cream with coconut cream.
  4. Mix equal parts of garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and black pepper to make your own all-purpose seasoning.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sheet pan for baking
  • Parchment or foil for lining the pan
  • Cheese and lemon zest grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (uses heavy cream, butter, parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (found in gnocchi and flour)

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