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Back-to-school nights and back-to-the-office days call for dinners that are quick, comforting, and don’t leave a sink full of dishes. Enter: One-Pot Lemon Basil Marry Me Chicken + Gnocchi. This creamy, viral-inspired chicken dinner is exactly what you need when weeknights get hectic

{ This post and the Lemon Marry Me Chicken recipe that goes with it were made in partnership with Real California Milk! We received compensation in exchange for it. Opinions are always our own. If we don’t love it, you don’t hear about it. Thanks for your continued support! }

This new recipe changes the game. We’re talking one-pot, ground chicken, and pillowy gnocchi all simmered together in a lemon basil cream sauce that doesn’t lean on sun-dried tomatoes at all. It’s bright. It’s fresh. It’s weeknight-friendly. And it stars Real California dairy products for maximum creaminess and flavor.

If you thought Marry Me Chicken couldn’t get any better, get ready. This one’s a total keeper. 💍🍋

How This Recipe Flips the Script

Why settle for the same old formula when you can break the rules?

Ground chicken instead of cutlets → Faster cooking and fewer dishes to wash.
Gnocchi instead of pasta → The gnocchi cooks in the sauce, soaking up a ton of flavor.
Lemon + basil instead of sun-dried tomatoes → Lighter, fresher, and perfect for warmer weather.
Three Real California Milk cheeses and cream → Toma cheese laced with tender herbs for a tangy bite, mozzarella for melt factor, and a cup of heavy cream for that silky finish.

This isn’t just a chicken dinner—it’s a one-pot meal situation that hits all the comfort notes without feeling heavy.

The Real California Milk Difference 🥛

Here’s the secret: the dairy matters. Big time. Using Real California Milk means you’re getting products made from milk that comes from California’s family dairy farms. That’s more than just a label—it’s a stamp of quality. California leads the nation in sustainable dairy production in the U.S., cranking out over 18% of the nation’s milk supply.

The cream here makes the sauce luxuriously smooth. Toma cheese adds a nutty complexity you won’t get from basic Parmesan. And the mozzarella? It melts into the sauce like a dream, binding everything together into one big pot of “please pass me another bowl.”

When you see the Real California Milk seal, you’ll feel good knowing that the product you are purchasing is certified as having been made with 100% Real California Milk from California dairy farm families.

Want to learn more about the Real California Milk seal and California dairy? Visit the Real California Milk website at www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

Why You’ll Love This Version

If you’re a fan of popular recipes that deliver on both flavor and convenience, this one checks all the boxes:

One pot = easy cleanup. You’ll be eating in less time than it takes to binge a sitcom episode.
Bold but balanced flavor. The lemon juice and zest brighten up the richness of the cream.
Built-in starch. The gnocchi cooks in the sauce, releasing a little starch to help thicken the cream sauce naturally.
Customizable heat. A sprinkle of Calabrian chile flakes (or red pepper flakes) brings a subtle kick.
Perfect for family meals. Even picky eaters go for the tender gnocchi and juicy chicken.

Step-by-Step How to Make Marry Me Lemon Chicken

When I say not one thing about this recipe is overly complicated, I mean it! In fact, why don't I show you just how easy it is.

Cooking Tips from the Trenches

You’re not just following a marry me chicken recipe—you’re mastering it. Keep these in mind:

Always look for the Real California Milk Seal when shopping. This ensures the best quality and flavor.
Heat your oil properly. Medium-high heat for the chicken, medium heat for the sauce. It’s the difference between golden brown flavor and a pale, sad start.
Scrape the bottom of the pan after adding the broth and cream. Those brown bits? That’s flavor gold.
Use a sharp knife for the basil. Bruised herbs aren't ideal.
Finish with fresh basil leaves and lemon zest right before serving. It keeps the aroma bright and the flavor herbal instead of dull.

What’s With the Name?

Will it make someone fall in love with you? Who knows. But it might just make it into your favorite recipe rotation. That’s the magic of a creamy chicken recipe—it’s comfort food with a little romance built in.

Serving Ideas for This Version of Marry Me Chicken

Sure, this is technically a one-pot meal, but you can dress it up:

Add a crisp green salad on the side for contrast.
Pour a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the lemony notes.
Serve with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that cream-based sauce.

And yes, licking the plate is allowed.

Leftovers? Lucky You.

If you have any leftovers (doubtful), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The gnocchi will soak up more sauce as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating. The microwave works in a pinch, but reheating in a skillet keeps the texture spot-on.

Leftovers of this simple recipe make a great reheatable lunch—pack it for work or send it with the kids in a thermos for school. Just another reason this one-pot wonder earns a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation.

Whether you’re juggling carpools, deadlines, or both, this dish proves you can pull off a viral-worthy dinner in under 30 minutes. Just don’t forget to look for the Real California Milk seal when you shop—it’s your shortcut to guaranteed quality and flavor.

Your Turn
What’s your twist on Marry Me Chicken? Drop it in the comments and tag @thismessisours with your version. And don’t forget—look for the Real California Milk seal to make sure you are getting the best quality dairy products.

Lemon Basil Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi

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A weeknight-friendly one-pot, ground chicken, and pillowy gnocchi version of Marry Me Chicken all simmered together in a lemon basil cream sauce.

Author: This Mess is Ours
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 25
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stove top
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 shallots, thinly sliced

1 lb ground chicken

1 ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided

¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

4 tablespoon olive oil, divided

5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup Real California Milk, heavy cream

¼ cup freshly grated Real California Toma cheese, alternatively you can use Romano cheese.

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of ½ a lemon

16 ounces of gnocchi, one package

1 cup shredded Real California Milk, mozzarella

3 tablespoon thinly sliced basil leaves, plus more for garnish

½ teaspoon Calabrian chile flakes, or red pepper flakes, which are slightly hotter

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Instructions

Gather and prepare all of the ingredients as this recipe goes very quickly once the cooking starts.

Heat 3 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced shallots and cook for about 1 minute then add the ground chicken, breaking up the meat into smaller bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Season with 1 teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until no pink is left and the chicken is cooked all the way through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large, clean plate or bowl and return the skillet to the heat.

Reduce the heat to low, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, and add the sliced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 15-30 seconds.

Add the chicken broth, Real California heavy cream, grated Toma, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the gnocchi to the pan, stir again, then place a lid on the pan and cook for 3 minutes more. Then stir in the Real California mozzarella until melted and incorporated completely.

Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then return the cooked ground chicken to the pan along with the basil leaves and Calabrian chile flakes. Stir to incorporate well.

Serve immediately with more lemon zest and basil leaves as garnish.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Heating in the microwave is ok if in a hurry, but this dish reheats best in a 350F oven for 15-20 min.