Parmesan Chicken and Thyme Gnocchi

Sometimes you just need to eat something unhealthy for dinner.  I'm not advocating going to Popeyes (Love that Chicken!) every night for dinner, stopping at the cupcake factory on the way home and washing it all down with a two liter of soda.  No, no, no!  I'm just saying that there are those days, the days that you some how struggled through, scratching and clawing to the finish line.  You barely make it through the safety of your front door and when you do, it feels like a victory.

You need to make a little victory lap around the foyer as you shed your coat and shoes.  You're high fiving your roommates, spouses, children and pets as you drop your purse/briefcase.  The day is finally over and you deserve something special, something delicious, but most importantly, something simple.  A day like this doesn't need to be topped off with an hour in the kitchen.

My Thursday was that kind of day.  Usually Thursday is a great day because Thursday is bagel day at work!  Unlike most Thursdays, this week we had a meeting.  The king of all meetings.  The monthly meeting.  It was scheduled to last from ten o'clock until three o'clock.  We all knew that this was a lofty goal and were all unsurprised when we stumbled out of the room at four o'clock.

After my long day sitting in a meeting, I was looking forward to a quiet trip home on the train.  Apparently the New York Yankees didn't think that was a good idea and had to play a game last night.  The train was packed with dudes, drunk dudes, drunk dudes wearing Yankees jerseys, LOUD drunk dudes wearing Yankee jerseys.  Ugh, so much for doing my crossword puzzle in peace.

Parmesan Chicken and Thyme Gnocchi

How did I decide to treat myself after such a long day?  BUTTER!  I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that this is a healthy meal.  Oh no, I cooked these bad boys in lots of butter.  Although if you are looking for a less calorie-laden dinner, feel free to cook the chicken breasts in the oven.  350 F until the chicken breasts are cooked through, this will all depend on the thickness of your chicken.  You might also want to add some salad or something green to this meal, help to sop up the butter...

1 lb chicken breasts - pounded to 1/2-inch thin
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
2 eggs
4 tbsp butter

1 package gnocchi
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water a to boil.  Cook gnocchi to package directions, generally about 8-10 minutes.  While the gnocchi is boiling, start with the chicken.

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.  In a large bowl, or plate with a lip, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.  Coat each chicken breast with egg then dredge in breadcrumbs.  Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken.  Once coated, transfer chicken to the pan.  Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.  The chicken should be golden brown and crispy!  While the chicken is cooking, finish up the gnocchi.

Drain the gnocchi then, in a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.  Add thyme and cooked gnocchi.  Toss to coat.  Put the lid on and lower heat to low.  Keep warm until chicken is ready.