This yummy dish mixes juicy chicken with sweet peppers, spicy sausage, and cozy gnocchi. Everything cooks together on one pan for an easy and tasty dinner!
I love how the gnocchi soak up all the delicious flavors while baking. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, cleaning just one pan makes me super happy! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their moisture and flavor. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use those instead, but they might dry out a bit more during cooking.
Gnocchi: I love potato gnocchi for its soft, fluffy texture. If you can’t find it, you can use pasta like fusilli or even some pre-cooked rice as an alternative, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice sweetness and color. If you want a milder flavor, use yellow onion or shallots instead, as they caramelize beautifully.
Spicy Peppers: The heat from chili peppers can vary widely. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using bell peppers instead or omitting them altogether. You can also use crushed red pepper flakes for less heat.
White Wine: I love using dry white wine for depth, but chicken broth works perfectly too for a non-alcoholic version!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Gnocchi?
Getting both the chicken and gnocchi just right can be tricky. Here are my simple tips:
- Cut the chicken into even chunks to ensure it cooks uniformly. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give the ingredients space to roast properly. If it’s crowded, they’ll steam instead.
- Stir halfway through cooking. This helps the gnocchi cook evenly and allows the chicken to brown on all sides.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
- If you prefer crispier gnocchi, broil for a couple of minutes at the end but keep an eye on them!
Sheet Pan Chicken Scarpariello Gets a Cozy Gnocchi Makeover
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 1 package (about 1 pound) potato gnocchi
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 hot red chili peppers (whole or sliced, adjust for spice preference)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon capers
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, plus 30 minutes of baking time. That makes a total of around 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with minimal cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will give your chicken and gnocchi a lovely golden color!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to create a tasty marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they’re well coated. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes while you chop up the veggies. This step helps to lock in flavor!
4. Arrange on the Sheet Pan:
Spread the marinated chicken pieces out evenly on a large sheet pan. Then add the potato gnocchi, red onion wedges, chili peppers, capers, and the rosemary sprig around and on top of the chicken. Drizzle any leftover marinade over everything. It’ll be so good!
5. Add Wine or Broth:
Pour the dry white wine or chicken broth over the entire mixture. This will keep everything moist and infuse flavors as it bakes.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Don’t forget to stir gently halfway through to make sure the gnocchi cooks evenly and the chicken is nice and brown!
7. Final Touches:
When the chicken is fully cooked and the gnocchi is tender and lightly browned, remove the pan from the oven. Discard the rosemary sprig, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and prepare to serve!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
This delightful dish combines the zesty, vinegary, and spicy notes of traditional Chicken Scarpariello while giving a cozy twist with soft, baked gnocchi. Enjoy this easy and hearty meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. You can add it directly to the pan without thawing. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if needed, checking for doneness.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Thighs?
If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook faster than thighs and might dry out if overcooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to keep things moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare all the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just keep everything covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, which makes dinner a breeze!
