Oven baked chicken with gnocchi

40 min
Oven baked chicken with gnocchi

Oven-baked chicken fillet and potato gnocchi flavoured with pesto and mozzarella. It will be extra tasty if you make your own pesto, but sometimes it’s nice to take shortcuts by buying one in a jar. Good for both everyday meals and dinner parties!

Ingredients

4 Chicken breast fillets
1 tsp Salt
Black pepper to taste
2 tbsp Butter
400 g Potato gnocchi
65 g Baby spinach
500 ml Cooking cream
100 ml Pesto
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Concentrated chicken stock
150 g Grated mozzarella cheese
1 pot Fresh basil

For serving

Mixed green salads
Mixed tomatoes
Cucumbers

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200 °C or 180 °C fan.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a frying pan and brown the chicken on both sides. Once browned, transfer the chicken to an ovenproof dish.
  • Add the potato gnocchi and baby spinach.
  • Whisk together cream, pesto, vinegar, stock and cheese. Pour the sauce over the chicken and gnocchi. 
  • Cook in the middle of the oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of ​​75 °C.

To serve

  • Rinse the salad greens, halve the tomatoes, and slice the cucumber. Mix everything in a bowl.
  • Top the chicken with fresh basil and serve with the mixed green salad on the side.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Garlic bread
15 min
Garlic bread
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Enjoy!

Use uniform chicken breasts

Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure they cook evenly. If the breasts are thick, place them between sheets of parchment paper and gently pound them to a uniform thickness. Smaller pieces will need less time in the oven, while larger ones may require a few extra minutes.

Make your own pesto

While store-bought pesto works well, making your own lets you adjust the flavours and enjoy the aroma of freshly blended ingredients. To make pesto, blend fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, peeled garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, and a generous drizzle of olive oil until smooth.

Questions about mozzarella chicken

Mozzarella chicken is a recipe worth mastering. We have answered some common questions to help you achieve the best results. Find out how to best serve it, store leftovers, and ensure the chicken is cooked just right.

What to serve with mozzarella chicken?

Serve the mozzarella chicken with a mixed salad that includes crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber, which adds a crunchy element alongside the cheesy mozzarella chicken. If you want to add more variety, consider roasted vegetables or a slice of garlic bread.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftover mozzarella chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. To reheat, slice the chicken into smaller pieces to help it warm evenly and quickly. Reheat gently in the microwave, covering it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat. Be sure to add the remaining sauce to the pan, as this will help keep the chicken juicy and moist.

Can I freeze mozzarella chicken?

Absolutely! Mozzarella chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Note that freezing works well for the chicken and sauce, but the gnocchi may become softer once reheated.

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

Check if your chicken is cooked by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; the internal temperature should reach 75 °C. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white throughout with no pink.

Baked mozzarella chicken with pesto and gnocchi

Mozzarella chicken with pesto and potato gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food for a cosy family dinner. Tender chicken breast fillets are baked with creamy mozzarella that melts into every layer. Baby spinach adds a mild, earthy touch, while pesto brings its signature mix of garlic, basil, and Parmesan. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy twist, and soft potato gnocchi soaks up the sauce, tying it all together in a meal that is sure to please.

Delight in the creamy and cheesy goodness

If cheese makes your world go round, this recipe is calling your name. Mozzarella melts into the sauce, creating a velvety base that is impossible to resist. The richness of the cheese pairs well with the tangy balsamic vinegar and the herbaceous pesto, keeping every bite exciting. Truly, this recipe is every cheese lover’s dream.

Enjoy a simple weeknight dinner

There is something special about gathering around the table to share a warm, cheesy bake with the people you care about most. This mozzarella chicken recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a homey meal.

Straight from the oven, the sauce bubbles away, which will have everyone’s mouths watering. Even the kids will dig into it without hesitation, thanks to its gooey cheese and pillowy golden gnocchi.

If you love comforting meals like this, why not try our cheesy baked nachos, pasta with broccoli, or a bowl of minced meat soup? These recipes offer the same cosy appeal with their own delicious flavours.

Put your own spin on it

Explore the creative side of your cooking and experiment with this recipe. Is mozzarella not enough for you? Mix in a handful of Parmesan or shredded cheddar for a sharper taste and a tangy kick that complements the other ingredients. Gruyère is another excellent choice, offering nutty and slightly sweet notes that work beautifully.

Try experimenting with different types of pesto as well. Sun-dried tomato pesto brings a sweeter, richer base, while rocket pesto adds a peppery edge. To get more texture, sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top as a finishing touch. Their slight bitterness and crunch offer a wonderful counterpoint to the soft gnocchi and velvety sauce.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/oven-baked-chicken-with-gnocchi/