Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, and pillowy gnocchi. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing seasoning mix
1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing seasoning mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low. Combine the Ranch and Italian dressing seasoning mixes in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Cover tightly and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Keep the broth in the skillet for the sauce.
Step 5: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir constantly until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Stir the shredded chicken into the cream cheese sauce until well coated.
Step 7: Lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 8: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Step 9: Drain the cooked gnocchi in a colander.
Step 10: Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce and gently stir to combine.
Step 11: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
Step 12: Top with the cooked and crumbled bacon.
Step 13: Optional baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 14: Or stovetop: Cover and simmer on low until cheese melts. Alternatively, broil for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 15: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for garnish, if desired.
Step 16: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy crack chicken gnocchi!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh gnocchi when possible for a softer texture, or try sweet potato gnocchi for a twist.
Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or ham to change the flavor profile.
For extra veggies, stir in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms before adding the cheese.
If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. If the sauce thickens too much when reheated, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can sear the chicken first, then add it to the slow cooker with seasoning and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred, then proceed with adding cream cheese and the rest of the steps on the stovetop.

What can I use if I don’t have Ranch or Italian seasoning packets?

You can substitute with homemade spice blends using dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil combined with salt and pepper to mimic the flavors.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 88 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food combining tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious cream cheese sauce, tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy dinners and offers rich, savory flavors with a delightful creamy texture.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing seasoning mix
1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Gnocchi

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
Slow Cook in Flavor: Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, combine the Ranch dressing seasoning mix and the Italian dressing seasoning mix. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Let the chicken simmer in the broth and seasoning mixture for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the flavorful broth in the skillet; we’ll need that!
Melt the Cream Cheese: Return the skillet with the broth to medium heat. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth, creating a luscious, creamy base.
Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet with the melted cream cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the creamy goodness.
Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken and sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out.
Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
Drain the Gnocchi: Once the gnocchi are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander.
Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the gnocchi are evenly coated in the sauce.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the gnocchi and chicken mixture.
Add Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the cheddar cheese.
Baking (Optional): If you’re baking the dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or the gnocchi mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
Stovetop Method: If you’re not baking, simply cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the gnocchi dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi based on preference or availability.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish briefly after baking or melting the cheese on stovetop.
Adding more chicken broth can adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
Chopping green onions adds a fresh burst of flavor and color but is optional.
Make sure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, Comfort Food, Chicken Recipe, Gnocchi Dish, Cream Cheese Sauce, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Skillet Dinner