Quick & Easy Chicken Sausage Hotpot
Transform comfort food with this lighter twist on a classic hotpot. This recipe combines savory chicken sausages with tender leeks and a creamy thyme-infused sauce, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
The addition of golden, crispy gnocchi as the topping saves time without sacrificing texture or flavor. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy indulgence and hearty goodness.
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this chicken sausage gnocchi hotpot is sure to become a family staple. Simple, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting!
Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Hotpot Ingredients
- Chicken Sausages – Lean, flavorful, and a lighter alternative to pork, these form the heart of this comforting dish.
- Leeks – Sweet and tender, they add a delicate yet robust base to the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Stock – Infuses the dish with savory depth, tying the flavors together beautifully.
- Gnocchi – A delightful time-saver, offering a golden, crispy topping that’s irresistibly satisfying.
- Gruyère, Cheddar, or Parmesan – The finishing touch, bringing a rich, cheesy indulgence to every bite.
Recipe Tips
- Brown the Sausages Well
When browning the chicken sausages, aim for a deep golden color to enhance their flavor. This step caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat, creating a richer and more robust base for your hotpot. - Customize Your Gnocchi Topping
For extra texture and flavor, toss the gnocchi with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt before scattering it over the dish. This ensures they crisp up beautifully during baking, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. - Prep Ahead for Convenience
Save time on busy evenings by preparing the dish up to the end of Step 5 a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and simply bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
What to Serve with Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Hotpot
- Mixed Green Salad
A fresh salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the hotpot. The acidity cuts through the flavors, making each bite feel lighter. - Rustic Bread
Serve with a crusty artisan loaf or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The bread’s chewy texture and mild flavor complement the hotpot without overwhelming it. - Steamed Vegetables
Add a side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli. Lightly seasoned, they enhance the meal’s nutritional value while pairing well with the hotpot’s savory profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Pork, turkey, or plant-based sausages work well. Just ensure they are well-seasoned to match the dish’s flavor profile. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and double-check that your stock and gnocchi are gluten-free. - What cheese works best for this dish?
Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan all work beautifully, but you can experiment with mozzarella or a sharp aged cheese for variation. - Can I freeze the hotpot?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to two months. Reheat in the oven until piping hot.
Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Hotpot
Transform comfort food with this lighter twist on a classic hotpot. This recipe combines savory chicken sausages with tender leeks and a creamy thyme-infused sauce, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 500 g gnocchi
- 340 g chicken sausages or chipolatas such as Heck Chicken Italia
- 2 leeks cleaned, trimmed, and thickly sliced
- 450 ml chicken stock prepared with a stock cube or stockpot
- 60 g finely grated Gruyère cheddar, or Parmesan cheese
- 150 g frozen peas
- 2 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp grain mustard
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 20 g butter
- 20 g plain flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C, gas mark 6).
- Cook the Sausages
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Using kitchen scissors, cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces (4-5 per sausage). Sear them over high heat until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage pieces to a 23cm baking dish.
- Soften the Leeks
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the leeks, followed by 50ml of the chicken stock and a pinch of seasoning. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the leeks to soften.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Melt the remaining 20g of butter in a separate saucepan. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously. Gradually whisk in the rest of the chicken stock until a smooth consistency is achieved. Incorporate the grain mustard, thyme, and crème fraîche. Simmer gently for 2 minutes before stirring in the frozen peas and cooked leeks. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Dish
- Pour the sauce mixture into the baking dish, ensuring the sausage pieces are well-coated. Stir gently to combine. Scatter the gnocchi evenly across the top, straight from the package, and sprinkle with the grated cheese.
- Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi topping turns golden and crispy.
- Optional Preparation Tip
- Prepare the dish up to the end of Step 5 a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and allow an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time when cooking from chilled.
