Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe: Irresistibly Comforting

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy crack chicken gnocchi that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender potato dumplings swim in a rich, velvety sauce packed with savory chicken and bold flavors.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delectable and satisfying.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and hearty ingredients.

The recipe combines simple pantry staples into an irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheese, herbs, and succulent chicken elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this crowd-pleasing recipe comes together.

Gnocchi Tips for Creamy Goodness

• Use low-sodium chicken stock for more flavor control and less saltiness in the final dish.
• Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and keep crispy texture when added as topping.
• Choose vacuum-sealed gnocchi for consistent cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy during simmering.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, even sauce consistency.
• Let cheese brown slightly under broiler for enhanced nutty flavor and beautiful golden color.

Crack Chicken Gnocchi Remix Ideas

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable stock, and swap bacon for crispy mushroom or tempeh strips.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free gnocchi, substitute wheat-based flour with cornstarch or potato starch, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or cauliflower rice, reduce milk quantity, and add extra herbs for flavor intensity.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Version: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, swap cheese with nutritional yeast, and add sun-dried tomatoes and Mediterranean herbs for a different profile.

Serving Crack Chicken Gnocchi Warm

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty dish with crusty bread for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce and catching every delicious drop.
• Bright Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken gnocchi.
• Veggie Side Delight: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts as a colorful and nutritious accompaniment to complement the main dish.
• Weekend Comfort Plate: Present on large rustic plates with extra fresh herbs sprinkled on top for a restaurant-style presentation that feels warm and inviting.

Storing Leftover Crack Chicken Gnocchi

• Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Keeps well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing bacon separately.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm gently in skillet over low heat. Add splash of chicken stock to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dish so creamy?

The cream comes from combining milk, chicken stock, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, which creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this crack chicken gnocchi can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and the flavors will remain delicious and comforting.

• Can I use different types of protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even shredded pork for a similar flavor profile and creamy texture.

Crack Chicken Gnocchi Crowd Pleaser

• Crack Chicken Gnocchi delivers a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare, making dinner exciting and stress-free.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, creating a personalized dish that everyone will love.
• Loaded with tender chicken and crispy bacon, this recipe provides a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps hunger at bay and energy levels high.
• Creamy sauce, soft gnocchi, and melted cheese combine to create an irresistible comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Crack Chicken Gnocchi Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides a tender and juicy base for the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy and smoky flavor to enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth sauce for the gnocchi.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp flavor and melts beautifully on top of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty depth to the sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the primary carbohydrate in the recipe.
• Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavor foundation for the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavor and adds a subtle tanginess.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Olive Oil Spray: Provides a light coating for cooking and prevents sticking.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a fresh and vibrant finish to the dish.
• Stock: Forms the liquid base for poaching chicken and creating the sauce.
• Seasonings: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

Kitchen Tools for Gnocchi Making

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking everything from chicken to bacon and creating the sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise chicken and ingredient cutting.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Ovenproof Dish: Necessary for final broiling and cheese melting stage.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and moving chicken and bacon.

Cooking Crack Chicken Gnocchi from Scratch

Step 1: Poach Chicken

Place chicken in a pot with stock.

Cook for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked through.

Remove chicken, let it cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon

Heat a skillet and spray with olive oil.

Fry bacon until it turns golden and becomes crispy.

Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, cook shallots until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in remaining stock, milk, and lemon juice.

Add herbs, seasonings, and cheese.

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Create a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the sauce to help thicken.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi

Add sliced chicken and gnocchi to the sauce.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Continue cooking until gnocchi is tender and the sauce reaches a desired consistency.

Step 6: Broil and Garnish

Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and broil until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Crumble crispy bacon over the dish and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy crack chicken gnocchi, blending tender potato dumplings with rich, cheesy goodness. Home cooks can savor each spoonful of this irresistible dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 2 chicken breasts, small, uncooked (360g/12.7 ounces)
• 75g (2.5 ounces) bacon, lean smoked back, fat removed and diced small

Base Ingredients

• 3.5 cups (840 milliliters) chicken stock, low sodium
• 500g (17.5 ounces) gnocchi, potato, dry in vacuum pack
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk, 2%
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 175g laughing cow light (or light cream cheese)
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 60g (2.2 ounces) cheddar or Red Leicester, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon parsley, dried
• 1 teaspoon chives, dried
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dill, dried
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (or spring onions/chives) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken in simmering broth for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove, let cool briefly, then slice into tender strips.
2. Crisp bacon in a skillet using minimal oil until golden brown and perfectly rendered. Reserve crispy pieces.
3. In the same pan, sauté shallots until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for a quick 30 seconds to release aromatic oils.
4. Incorporate remaining broth, cream, tangy lemon juice, select herbs, seasonings, and grated cheese. Whisk mixture until completely smooth and uniform.
5. Thicken sauce by introducing cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and achieve desired consistency.
6. Gently fold sliced chicken and pillowy gnocchi into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing gnocchi to cook and sauce to develop rich flavors.
7. Transfer entire mixture to a heat-resistant baking dish. Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the top and broil until cheese melts and develops golden bubbles.
8. Garnish with reserved crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped herbs for a final burst of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Chicken Poaching Tip: Use low-sodium chicken stock for better control of salt levels and enhance the natural chicken flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Bacon Crispness Hack: Pat bacon dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness and even golden-brown texture throughout.
• Sauce Smoothing Strategy: Gradually whisk cheese into warm liquid to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform sauce consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi for a celiac-friendly version, and use turkey bacon for a lighter protein option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg