Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi
This Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi dish is a dinner dream come true. You get juicy chicken coated in golden, crispy garlic bits paired with pillowy gnocchi that soaks up every bit of the flavorful pan sauce. It strikes a perfect balance between comfort and crave-worthy indulgence, ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.
The real magic happens in the pan. As the chicken sizzles in garlicky oil, the edges crisp up while staying tender inside. Gnocchi is added straight to the same pan, soaking up all those savory drippings. A splash of broth and cream pulls everything together into a luscious sauce that hugs every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi
If you’re someone who loves comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is made for you. It delivers restaurant-style flavor without complicated prep. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and creamy gnocchi is satisfying and rich without being too heavy. It’s a complete one-pan meal with minimal cleanup, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
What Kind of Gnocchi Works Best for This Recipe?
Shelf-stable gnocchi is your best friend here. It crisps up beautifully in the skillet and holds its shape while absorbing all the garlic butter goodness. You can also use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi—just be sure to cook it slightly before adding it to the pan. Homemade gnocchi works too if you’re feeling ambitious, but for ease and convenience, store-bought does the trick deliciously.
Ingredients for the Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi
The ingredients in this recipe are humble, but they come together into something truly luxurious. Each one has a purpose in building the layers of flavor.
- Chicken thighs
- Gnocchi
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper

How To Make the Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with a mix of butter and olive oil, sear them skin-side down first until golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side until fully done. Set aside.
Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi
In the same pan, add a touch more oil and toss in the gnocchi. Let it fry until golden on the outside, stirring occasionally to ensure even crisping.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan. Stir for just a minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer, scraping up the brown bits. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until it becomes a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some sauce over the top. Let everything warm through for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi
This meal is best served right from the skillet, garnished with extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. It feeds four hungry people comfortably. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
What to Serve With Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi?
Simple Arugula Salad
The peppery greens add a light contrast to the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread
Yes, more garlic. It’s perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Bright and slightly crisp, it brings a nice freshness.
Sauteed Spinach
Easy and quick, and its mild bitterness balances the creamy gnocchi.
White Wine
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and cream beautifully.
Roasted Carrots
Sweet and earthy, they add a different dimension of flavor.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted or air-fried, they offer a satisfying crunch.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi, try one of these next:
- Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a quick stir-fry favorite.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a cheesy, comforting twist.
- Smothered Chicken and Rice if you’re craving Southern-style comfort.
- Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup when you want gnocchi in a bowl.
- Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri for a fresh herby change.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.
Let me know how yours turned out in the comments. Did you use chicken thighs or breasts? Try it with mushrooms or spinach? Share your spin on it!
Explore beautifully curated chicken recipes and cozy meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover new favorites to keep dinner exciting.
Conclusion
Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich and savory, with textures that play together perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to something cozy and delicious, this one-skillet meal is sure to be on repeat in your kitchen.

Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Crispy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi recipe is the ultimate one-skillet comfort meal made with golden seared chicken thighs, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this chicken and gnocchi recipe is packed with flavor and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
1 pound gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook through, then set aside.
3. In the same pan, add gnocchi and fry until lightly golden and crisp on the outside. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
4. Lower heat and stir in minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream and parmesan. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
7. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 3-5 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time.
For crispier gnocchi, let them cook undisturbed before stirring.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or mushrooms for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg


