Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel and place them in a medium bowl. Season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices. Use the back of a spoon to gently press on some of the tomatoes to help create a rustic sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the potato gnocchi. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently, until the gnocchi are plump and tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Scatter the fresh mozzarella pearls and the 1/2 cup of fresh basil evenly over the top of the skillet.
- To melt the cheese, either cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes, or for a golden, bubbly top, place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze and garnish with extra fresh basil.
Notes
Oven-Safe Skillet Tip: Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to get a beautiful, golden-brown melted cheese topping under the broiler. If you don't have one, simply covering the skillet on the stovetop works just as well.
Add Greens: For a nutritional boost, stir in 2-3 large handfuls of fresh spinach along with the gnocchi and allow it to wilt before adding the chicken back.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
