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If you’re craving a bowl that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. This soup masterfully balances richness and brightness, featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and kale all enveloped in a luscious, lemony cream broth. It’s the kind of dish that turns cold evenings into cozy, memorable moments, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a personal indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is all it takes to bring this soup to life. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavors and textures, from the juicy chicken and tender gnocchi to the fresh zestiness of lemon and hearty kale, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken for juicy, flavorful meat that takes center stage in the soup.
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi: These soft little pillows add wonderful texture and soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
- 5 cups organic chicken stock: A rich, savory base that infuses every spoonful with depth and warmth.
- 1 lemon (sliced and juiced): The fresh lemon juice and slices brighten the soup with a refreshing zing that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream: This brings the signature silky, luscious texture that makes the recipe truly indulgent.
- 4 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the broth into a dreamy, velvety consistency.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth and a touch of savory warmth.
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs: Thyme’s earthy, herbal notes complement the chicken and lemon perfectly.
- 2 cups organic kale (de-stemmed and chopped): Kale adds a nutritious boost along with a lovely pop of vibrant green color.
How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts and sear them on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust, usually about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once cooked, set them aside to rest—this helps keep the chicken juicy and tender before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, melt some butter and add minced garlic along with fresh thyme sprigs. Sauté these until they release their fragrant aromas, around 1 to 2 minutes. This step creates a fragrant foundation that’s absolutely crucial for infusing the soup with savory and herbal notes.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir continuously. This combination will transform into a roux that thickens your broth beautifully, giving it that satisfyingly creamy texture we all adore in a comforting soup.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Stock
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to ensure the roux dissolves evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will allow all the flavors to meld together and the broth to start thickening just right.
Step 5: Incorporate Gnocchi, Lemon, and Kale
Next, add the potato gnocchi, lemon slices, and chopped kale to the simmering pot. Keep cooking until the gnocchi float to the surface, signaling they are perfectly tender—which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The kale wilts into the soup, adding lovely color and a tender bite.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Lemon
Finally, stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. This final step brings the soup’s signature creaminess, brightness, and cheesy richness all together. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed—you want every spoonful to sing with balanced flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra parmesan cheese on top adds color and a hit of fresh flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also enhance the soup’s character, making every bowl feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or warm garlic breadsticks, perfect for sopping up that irresistible creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a charming presentation. You can layer sliced chicken on top and add a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of brightness—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to an elevated homemade meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining all those delicious flavors and creamy textures.
Freezing
This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for a busy day. Freeze it in portioned containers without the gnocchi, as they might get mushy upon thawing. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Adding a bit of stock or cream while reheating can help restore the soup’s silky smoothness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based chicken substitute, but fresh chicken breasts provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep that creamy, rich texture without dairy.
Can I prepare the soup without gnocchi?
If you prefer, you can leave out the gnocchi and add extra kale or diced potatoes for heartiness. Gnocchi really adds delightful texture, but the soup is still wonderful without it.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup without it separating?
Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of broth or cream as it warms helps maintain the creamy consistency and prevents curdling.
How tangy is the lemon in this soup?
The lemon provides a refreshing brightness but is balanced within the creamy broth, so it’s pleasantly zesty without being overpowering—perfect for winter comfort food with a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. It’s joyful, comforting, and packed with flavors that will brighten up those cold days. Put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and give this heartwarming bowl of goodness a go—you deserve it!
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Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts, soft potato gnocchi, fresh kale, and a bright burst of lemon flavor in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days, this soup combines hearty ingredients with fresh herbs and citrus for a delightful, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 5 cups organic chicken stock
- 1 lemon (sliced and juiced)
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
- 4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 cups organic kale (de-stemmed and chopped)
- 2 Tbsps olive oil (for sautéing chicken)
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter (for sautéing garlic and thyme)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté them until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs, sautéing until fragrant, approximately 1–2 minutes. This step infuses the base of your soup with deep flavor.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pot with the garlic and thyme mixture, stirring continuously to combine and cook the flour, which will thicken the soup. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden but not browned.
- Add chicken stock and simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add gnocchi, lemon slices, and kale: Stir in the potato gnocchi, sliced lemon rounds, and chopped kale. Cook until the gnocchi floats to the surface, about 2–3 minutes, indicating they are tender and done.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated parmesan cheese to add richness and brightness. Add the sliced chicken back to the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Heat through gently without boiling to keep the cream smooth.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of flour slightly or reduce the stock a bit before adding cream.
- Kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- If you like more lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice at the end.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove; add a little extra stock or cream if it thickens too much upon standing.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and avoid pre-shredded which often contains anti-caking agents.
