Easy Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and gnocchi dumplings is comforting and perfect for the cooler fall and winter weather. This satisfying dish combines tender pieces of rotisserie chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. The soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a meal that warms you from the inside out. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between hearty and elegant.

It’s quick and easy thanks to rotisserie chicken and store-bought gnocchi. It tastes like something that’s been simmering all day, but it comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Classic dumpling comfort with none of the work. Gnocchi provide the perfect soft, chewy texture without mixing, rolling, or cutting dough.
• Creamy, flavorful broth in minutes. Sautéed aromatics, poultry seasoning, herbes de Provence, and chicken stock create a soup with deep flavor in a short amount of time.
• Perfect for rotisserie chicken. This recipe makes excellent use of leftover cooked chicken, absorbing the broth’s flavor while keeping the texture tender.
• Flexible for different gnocchi types. Fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi all cook quickly and consistently.
• Family-friendly and satisfying. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal and mild enough for most palates while still offering aromatic depth.

Ingredient Notes

• Gnocchi – Any type works: fresh cooks quickly and stays tender, frozen holds its shape well, and shelf-stable is convenient for pantry meals. Gnocchi naturally thickens the broth as their starch cooks.
• Rotisserie chicken – A major time-saver that adds richness. Dice or shred depending on desired texture. Leftover roasted chicken works just as well.
• Poultry seasoning – A blend of sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary that gives the soup a classic chicken-and-dumplings flavor profile.
• Herbes de Provence – Adds a fragrant mix of herbs such as thyme, basil, lavender, and savory; Italian seasoning offers a slightly earthier substitute.
• Heavy cream – Makes the broth rich and silky. Half-and-half may be used for a lighter soup, though the broth will be slightly thinner.
• Aromatics – Shallots lend sweetness and subtle flavor, but yellow onion can be substituted. The carrots and celery provide texture and balance.

Steps to Make Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings

1. Melt the butter and sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften. This builds the base flavor of the broth and releases the onions’ and carrots’ natural sweetness.
2. Stir in garlic and seasonings, letting the herbs bloom in the warm butter. This brief step enhances their aroma and flavor.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook briefly to form a light roux. This thickens the broth gently and ensures a creamy, cohesive soup.
4. Gradually whisk in the broth and bring it to a boil. The mixture will begin to thicken as it heats, creating the base for the dumplings.
5. Add the gnocchi and peas, reducing heat so the soup simmers steadily. Gnocchi cook quickly and release starch that enriches the broth further.
6. Stir in the cream and chicken, warming through gently. Avoid boiling after this point to maintain a smooth broth and tender chicken.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread or rolls.

Pro Tips

• Bloom the herbs in butter for fuller flavor before adding liquid.
• Whisk broth in gradually to avoid lumps and ensure a silky finish.
• Choose sturdy gnocchi if you prefer a dumpling with more bite; fresh gnocchi yield softer results.
• Add the cream near the end to prevent separation.
• Finish with parsley or green onions for a fresh contrast to the creamy broth.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, beans, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Cheesy: Stir in a few ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Seafood: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp, chunks of mild fish, or crab for a coastal twist.
• Bacon or Ham: Add cooked crumbled bacon or some diced ham for a smoky flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings

• Bread: Choose crusty bread or dinner rolls to dip into the creamy broth. Or serve the soup with buttermilk biscuits or cornbread for a Southern vibe.
• Salad: Add a fresh tossed salad with a light vinaigrette or Italian dressing. Or choose a crispy coleslaw.

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. The broth will thicken slightly as it sits due to the gnocchi.
• Freeze without the gnocchi for best results; gnocchi become too soft once frozen and thawed.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with added broth or cream to loosen the texture.

Easy Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings

Diana Rattray

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Servings 6 servings

Calories 613

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Course Soups

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  

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• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shallots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence, or Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 to 16 ounces gnocchi, fresh, frozen, or shelf stable
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup peas, frozen, thawed, optional
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish, optional

Instructions

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• Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, and shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, poultry seasoning, herbes de Provence, and a dash each of kosher salt and ground black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  
• Add flour to the vegetable mixture and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth; increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
• Add the gnocchi and peas to the broth mixture and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 2 minutes and then add the cream and chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes longer or until the gnocchi and vegetables are tender. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  
• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. Enjoy!
  

Nutrition

Calories: 613kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 43gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 916mgPotassium: 455mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 4608IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 4mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword chicken and dumplings, chicken soup, creamy chicken and dumplings, gnocchi, gnocchi dumplings

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