Print

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Drain the Gnocchi: Once the gnocchi are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander.
  10. 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.
  11. Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the gnocchi and chicken mixture.
  12. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the cheddar cheese.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the gnocchi dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  16. 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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/creamy-crack-chicken-gnocchi-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/