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Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup

Featured in Soups That Hit the Spot.

Soft gnocchi paired with juicy lemon-zest chicken and tender kale swirl in a velvety, herb-infused broth. The dish starts with roasted chicken layered with lemon, then tossed with gnocchi in a parmesan-thyme cream sauce. Bright lemony flavors lighten up the rich base, and there are tips for gluten-free or vegan swaps. Perfect with homemade or store-bought gnocchi.
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Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:27:09 GMT
Warm Bowl of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Warm Bowl of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | kylierecipes.com

This hearty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup blends juicy chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and zesty citrus in a smooth, filling broth. Ideal for cold nights, this belly-warming dish shows that comfort food can be both substantial and zingy.

During one freezing night, I dished this soup up for buddies who'd just moved nearby. The way it brought coziness to our get-together while getting us talking about beloved comfort foods made it stick around in my cooking lineup right away.

Key Ingredients - Your Flavor Foundation

  • Chicken: Go for boneless, skinless thighs for more juiciness and taste
  • Gnocchi: Both store-bought and refrigerated work great - potato gnocchi gives the best chew
  • Lemon: You'll need both peel and juice - grab fresh ones for the brightest kick
  • Kale: Pick young soft leaves and chuck any woody stems
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onion build your crucial flavor base

Crafting Your Delicious Soup

Step 1 - Begin Your Foundation:
Warm olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to chicken chunks and cook until golden. Take chicken out and set it aside while making soup base.
Step 2 - Develop Your Tastes:
Cook onions till they're clear and smell good. Toss in garlic and heat just till it's fragrant. Mix in flour to make a light thickener.
Step 3 - Form Your Soup:
Pour in broth bit by bit, stirring all the time to avoid clumps. Put chicken back in pot and simmer till it's soft. Drop in gnocchi and cook just till they bob up.
Step 4 - Master The Ending:
Mix in kale till it's soft. Stir in cream and lemon juice away from heat. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Comforting Zesty Winter Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Comforting Zesty Winter Chicken Gnocchi Soup | kylierecipes.com

My folks found out that throwing some crunchy bacon on top really makes this soup pop. The smoky flavor with the lemon creates a surprising but awesome combo.

Adaptability and Keeping

This soup has become what I always bring to new parents in our neighborhood. Its bright flavors and simple eating make it just right for those crazy first days with a baby.

I enjoy cooking twice as much and freezing portions (leaving out the gnocchi) for quick dinners on busy nights. Just throw in fresh gnocchi while heating it up for perfect texture every time.

How flexible this recipe is keeps surprising me - it works just as well for casual family meals or fancy dinner parties.

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

Delightful Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Delightful Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup | kylierecipes.com

After so many bowls of this soup, I've noticed it's not just about the warmth it gives, but how it brightens even the gloomiest winter day. The mix of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and tangy lemon creates something truly special that keeps folks coming back for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it easy to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in gluten-free gnocchi and double-check all other ingredients are safe to use.
→ What’s the vegan-friendly option for this soup?
Use veggies instead of chicken, swap butter with vegan versions, and switch to coconut cream and vegan cheese.
→ How well does this freeze?
It freezes great for up to 4-6 months! Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.
→ What’s in that All-Purpose Blend?
A simple combo of garlic powder, cracked pepper, thyme, oregano, and parsley.
→ How long can leftovers stay fresh?
Keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days and enjoy it within that window for the best flavor.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This hearty soup has soft gnocchi, citrusy chicken, kale, and creamy herbs for a tasty and comforting meal.

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

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Lemony Baked Chicken

01 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
02 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 1 fresh lemon, sliced thin
04 1 tsp grated lemon peel
05 Pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

→ Base for Soup

06 16 oz potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought
07 2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 4 small garlic cloves, minced
09 4 fresh thyme sprigs
10 2 tsp all-purpose seasoning mix
11 1 tsp coarse sea salt

→ Soup Toppings and Extras

12 4 tbsp organic flour
13 5 cups organic chicken broth or stock
14 Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon
15 1 tsp lemon zest
16 1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream
17 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
18 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F. Lay out chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Add lemon slices and zest on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Let cool a bit before slicing.

Step 02

Melt butter over medium-high heat in a large pot. Toss in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until it smells amazing. Sprinkle in seasoning, salt, and flour, and mix everything together.

Step 03

Pour chicken stock gradually, stirring all the while to avoid lumps. Mix in cream, zest, lemon juice, thyme, kale, chicken slices, and gnocchi. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top.

Step 04

Stir parmesan cheese into the soup until melted, letting it simmer for a minute or two. Fish out the thyme sprigs before ladling into bowls. Serve hot, pairing with bread or a fresh salad if you’d like.

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
  2. Use gluten-free gnocchi and other certified GF options to make this gluten-free.
  3. For a vegan option, swap chicken for plant-based protein and heavy cream for coconut cream.
  4. DIY all-purpose seasoning: mix equal amounts of pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and parsley.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or a big soup pot
  • Baking tray
  • Foil or parchment paper
  • Cheese grater and zester

Allergy Information

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

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