Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
By Francesca Zani
Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

Yields:
4 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Cal/Serv:
693
If you love Caprese but wish it could be more of a main course, then let me introduce this protein-filled, carb-forward skillet. When developing this recipe, I took inspiration from the winning flavor profile of our Caprese chicken gnocchi soup, but anyone familiar with classic Caprese knows the basic formula: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. In this recipe, I’m adding in pan-roasted chicken and store-bought gnocchi as Caprese’s newest co-stars. Shallots, garlic, tomato sauce, and white wine are layered in to create this aromatic, rich dinner that celebrates everything Delish loves.
The chicken:
Searing the chicken until golden and lightly crusty will maximize flavor. Depending on the chicken size, 5 to 6 minutes per side should suffice. After searing, you’ll finish cooking in the oven until the thickest part registers 165° on a thermometer. I like slicing the chicken on a slight bias so it lays over the ingredients nicely.
The gnocchi:
Usually I’d say make your own homemade gnocchi, but you’ll definitely want to depend on a store-bought brand here. I’ve used De Cecco and Anna when developing this recipe. The gnocchi cook in 1 to 2 minutes flat, meaning dinner is on the table even faster.
The sauce:
A typical Caprese has fresh sliced tomatoes, but here I included both canned tomatoes and fresh cherry tomatoes. I wanted the color to scream Caprese while also adding a burst of sweetness.
Storage:
Let cool and store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, covered, over medium-low heat.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
- 4
(6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 3/4 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper
- 1
large shallot, finely chopped
- 6
garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup
dry white wine
- 3/4 cup
canned tomato sauce
- 6 Tbsp.
low-sodium chicken broth
- 1
(17.5-oz.) pkg. fresh gnocchi
- 2
to 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes (about 10 oz.)
- 8 oz.
fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup
small fresh basil leaves
Store-bought balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Directions
- Step 1Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 400°. In a 10" cast-iron or high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season chicken on both sides with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Cook, turning halfway through, until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Step 2Transfer to oven and bake chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 165°, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Slice and keep warm. Keep oven on.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in same skillet over medium heat, cook shallot, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more; season with 1/4 tsp. salt.
- Step 4Add wine and cook, stirring, to deglaze pan, about 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and broth and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to thicken and bubble, about 3 minutes. Add gnocchi and cook, stirring, just until tender, 1 to 2 minutes; season with 1/2 tsp. salt. Add cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes; season with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, if needed.
- Step 5Turn on broiler. Arrange chicken in center of skillet and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Step 6Broil chicken, watching closely, just until mozzarella melts, about 2 minutes.
- Step 7Top with basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
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