First Step: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure both sides are well coated.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Second Step: Boil the Gnocchi

1. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes). The gnocchi is ready when it floats to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and set it aside. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, just cook them straight from frozen.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the gnocchi and set it aside. If you prefer a crispier texture for the gnocchi, you can briefly sauté them in a little olive oil after boiling, but this step is optional.

Third Step: Make the Garlic Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken to incorporate them into the sauce.
3. Stir in the Cream and Mustard: Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard to the skillet, stirring to combine. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh thyme if desired.

Fourth Step: Combine the Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce

1. Add the Gnocchi: Once the sauce has thickened, add the boiled gnocchi to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Let the gnocchi absorb some of the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld.

Fifth Step: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you like, you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately while it’s warm. This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.