Creamy Chicken Piccata with Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Piccata with Gnocchi is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts in a tangy lemon-caper sauce served with pillowy gnocchi make for a comforting, elegant meal that’s quick enough for weeknights.

The image shows a close-up of four golden-brown chicken breasts cooked in a creamy light beige sauce. The chicken is slightly browned with some darker grill marks, topped with chopped green herbs and small green capers. Around the chicken, there are small, soft, yellow gnocchi pieces coated in the same creamy sauce. Bright yellow lemon slices are placed among the chicken and gnocchi, adding a fresh contrast. The dish appears to be in a pan on a white marbled surface, with the sauce slightly spread around the edges. The colors are warm and inviting, with a mix of creamy, yellow, and green tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb. total), halved horizontally, or 6 chicken cutlets
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp. drained capers
  • 2 medium lemons, 1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into rounds
  • 1 (17-oz.) package gnocchi
  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken on both sides with 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat butter and olive oil until the butter is melted. Working in batches, add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until almost reduced, 2 to 4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Stir in capers, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Add gnocchi and toss to coat in the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring frequently, until gnocchi are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Return chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce. Cook until chicken is warmed through, about 2 minutes more. Garnish with lemon rounds and chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use chicken cutlets for a faster cooking time and more even thickness.
  • Substitute white wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice if you prefer non-alcoholic.
  • For a slightly tangier sauce, add an extra tablespoon of capers or lemon juice.
  • Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A black skillet holds a dish with four browned chicken breasts sitting on top of creamy yellow gnocchi, all covered in a smooth light yellow sauce. Thin bright yellow lemon slices are partly under and on the chicken, along with small green capers and scattered chopped green herbs adding color. The sauce has a slight gloss, and black pepper flakes are sprinkled on top. The skillet rests on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used but may require slightly longer cooking time. They will add a richer flavor and remain juicy.

Is gnocchi necessary for this recipe?

Gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with cooked pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes if you prefer.

Print

Creamy Chicken Piccata with Gnocchi Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Piccata with Gnocchi is a comforting and elegant Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked in a luscious lemon-caper cream sauce, served with soft, pillowy gnocchi. The combination of bright lemon flavors, savory capers, and rich cream creates a deliciously balanced meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb. total), halved horizontally, or 6 chicken cutlets
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cooking Fat & Sauce

  • 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp. drained capers
  • 2 medium lemons (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into rounds)

Accompaniment

  • 1 (17-oz.) package gnocchi

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or cutlets on both sides with 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Dredge each piece evenly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Working in batches to prevent overcrowding, place the floured chicken into the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken pieces to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wine is almost reduced, approximately 2 to 4 minutes.
  4. Prepare Sauce and Add Gnocchi: Add the low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits for extra flavor. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until combined. Stir in the drained capers, lemon juice from 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons), and 2 teaspoons lemon zest. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Add the package of gnocchi directly into the sauce and toss gently to coat.
  5. Cook Gnocchi and Finish Dish: Bring the skillet to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and simmer, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season again with salt and pepper as needed. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Garnish the dish with lemon rounds and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet when browning chicken as it will steam rather than sear.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to reduce a bit longer before adding the gnocchi.
  • Dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is preferred for the best flavor; substitute with chicken broth if needed.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Use fresh lemons for bright and authentic taste; bottled lemon juice will not yield the same flavor.

Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Creamy Chicken, Gnocchi, Italian Dinner, Lemon Chicken, Capers, Easy Weeknight Meal

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