Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet transforms the classic Italian salad into a hearty, satisfying dinner. Juicy pan-roasted chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and sweet cherry tomatoes mingle with fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a touch of balsamic for a rich, flavorful experience.
Aromatic shallots and garlic create a savory foundation, while white wine, tomato sauce, and chicken broth build layers of depth in every bite. This skillet balances freshness with indulgence, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings.
Finished under the broiler for melty mozzarella and drizzled with balsamic glaze, this dish is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Each forkful delivers the familiar Caprese flavors in a comforting, all-in-one skillet meal.
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, they provide a hearty protein base that soaks up the skillet’s rich flavors.
Fresh gnocchi – Pillowy and soft, these little dumplings add comforting texture, making every bite satisfyingly carb-forward.
Cherry tomatoes – Bursting with natural sweetness, they balance the savory elements and bring a bright, fresh note to the skillet.
Fresh mozzarella – Creamy and melty, it delivers the classic Caprese indulgence that ties the dish together.
Fresh basil leaves – Aromatic and vibrant, they lift the flavors, adding a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
Extra-virgin olive oil – The silky foundation that enhances all ingredients while adding richness and depth.
Balsamic glaze – Sweet, tangy, and glossy, it crowns the skillet with the signature Caprese finishing touch.
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions & FAQ
Recipe Tips
1. Choose the right gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and has a pillowy texture that complements the chicken and sauce. Avoid overcooking; simmer just until tender. This preserves their soft, slightly chewy bite and prevents them from turning mushy.
2. Layer flavors strategically: Sauté shallots and garlic before adding wine and tomato sauce. Deglazing the pan with white wine lifts the caramelized bits from the chicken, intensifying the sauce’s depth. Adding cherry tomatoes later ensures they retain freshness and slight firmness.
3. Perfect mozzarella melt: For a gooey, visually appealing topping, slice or cube fresh mozzarella just before broiling. Keep a close eye under the broiler—it only needs a minute or two to melt without browning excessively, keeping the cheese creamy and silky.
What to Serve with Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
1. Garlic bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread or ciabatta is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato and wine sauce. Its crisp exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender gnocchi and melty mozzarella, rounding out the Italian-inspired meal.
2. Light green salad: Serve with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The fresh, peppery notes of the salad provide a refreshing balance to the rich skillet, brightening each bite.
3. Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the dish’s flavors while adding a subtle sweetness and additional texture. The lightly caramelized vegetables pair well with the savory, cheesy elements of the skillet.
FAQ – Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works fine, but cook them according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook, as frozen gnocchi can become mushy if simmered too long.
Q2: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Partially. You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but assemble with mozzarella and broil just before serving to maintain the cheese’s creamy texture.
Q3: What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?
A good alternative is bocconcini or a mild, soft mozzarella. Shredded mozzarella works in a pinch but may not provide the same creamy, chunky texture.
Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cheese substitute that melts well, such as vegan mozzarella. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will remain rich and satisfying.
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning a rack in the center. In a 10-inch cast-iron or deep-sided skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Season the chicken on both sides with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Sear the chicken until golden, approximately 5 minutes per side, then transfer to a baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165°F, about 15–18 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest briefly on a cutting board before slicing; keep warm. Maintain the oven temperature for later use.
- In the same skillet, sauté the shallot over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Incorporate the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring, until fragrant. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine, stirring for approximately 1 minute. Stir in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to thicken and bubble gently, around 3 minutes. Add the gnocchi and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until tender, seasoning with ½ teaspoon of salt. Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Adjust seasoning with the remaining salt if necessary.
- Activate the broiler. Nestle the chicken slices in the center of the skillet and scatter the cubed mozzarella over the top.
- Broil for approximately 2 minutes, monitoring closely, until the mozzarella has melted completely.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
