Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce and pillowy gnocchi. This slow cooker meal is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.

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
• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker and sprinkle both the Ranch dressing and Italian dressing seasoning mixes evenly over the chicken.
2. Step 2: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, then add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken. Cutting the cream cheese into cubes can help it melt faster.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed.
5. Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the melted cream cheese and broth mixture until well combined and creamy.
6. Step 6: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Step 7: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
8. Step 8: Drain the gnocchi immediately using a colander.
9. Step 9: Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture and stir well to combine.
10. Step 10: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Add the cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped green onions to the slow cooker, stirring to incorporate. Reserve some for garnish if desired.
12. Step 12: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the chicken mixture, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
13. Step 13: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
14. Step 14: Serve immediately, garnished with extra bacon, green onions, and Parmesan cheese if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add garlic powder to the seasoning mix.
• Swap gnocchi for cooked pasta if preferred.
• Add fresh spinach or kale for a boost of greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack for cheddar for a milder or creamier flavor.

Can this recipe be made on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the seasoned chicken in a covered pan on low heat until tender, then follow the remaining steps similarly.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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4.6 from 317 reviews

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi for the ultimate comfort food experience. The slow cooker melts the cream cheese and blends the ranch and Italian seasonings into a luscious sauce, while the gnocchi adds a satisfying bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) + 5 minutes (gnocchi cooking)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing seasoning mix

Sauce and Mix-Ins

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Pasta

• 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the Ranch dressing seasoning mix and Italian dressing seasoning mix over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
2. Add Broth and Cream Cheese: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker over the chicken. Add the softened cream cheese on top, cutting it into cubes if you want it to melt faster during cooking.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks or a hand mixer at low speed for a fine texture.
5. Return to Slow Cooker: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the cream cheese and broth mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and creamy.
6. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for cooking the gnocchi.
7. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
8. Drain the Gnocchi: Immediately drain the gnocchi in a colander to prevent overcooking.
9. Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker mixture with the shredded chicken. Stir well to combine the creamy sauce.
10. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
11. Add Bacon and Green Onions: Fold in the cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish if desired.
12. Add Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the chicken mixture, ensuring the gnocchi are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
13. Season to Taste: Taste the entire mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Add red pepper flakes if you want to introduce some heat.
14. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi immediately, garnished with extra bacon, green onions, and Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• For quicker melting, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they should be just cooked when they float to the surface.
• You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Use fresh green onions for the best flavor and color contrast.
• If you want extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes gradually.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken, Gnocchi, Slow Cooker Recipe, Comfort Food, Cheesy Chicken, Easy Dinner