Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken with rich cheese sauce and pillowy gnocchi. This easy slow cooker meal is perfect for busy days when you crave something hearty and satisfying.

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

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
• Swap gnocchi for cooked pasta if preferred.
• For extra veggies, add chopped spinach or mushrooms before serving.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes to help it melt evenly and faster.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and cream cheese mixture in a covered saucepan over low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy.

Is it possible to freeze Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi?

It’s best to freeze the chicken mixture separately from the gnocchi. Freeze the chicken sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before cooking fresh gnocchi to maintain texture.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich and cheesy sauce, complemented by pillowy gnocchi for the ultimate comfort food experience. Flavored with Ranch and Italian seasoning blends, bacon, and green onions, this dish is hearty, creamy, and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker on low) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker on high) plus 10 minutes boiling gnocchi
• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Pasta and Dairy

• 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings and Flavorings

• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle the Ranch and Italian dressing seasoning mixes over them to infuse flavor.
2. Add Broth and Cream Cheese: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, then add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken, cutting it into cubes if you wish to help it melt faster.
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 fully cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it finely using two forks or a hand mixer set to low speed.
5. Return to Slow Cooker: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the melted cream cheese and broth to create a creamy base.
6. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop in preparation 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, indicating they are done.
8. Drain the Gnocchi: Drain the cooked gnocchi immediately in a colander to prevent overcooking.
9. Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture and stir well to combine the ingredients smoothly.
10. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
11. Add Bacon and Green Onions: Incorporate the cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped green onions into the slow cooker, stirring them evenly throughout the mixture. Reserve a little for garnishing if desired.
12. Add Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring all gnocchi are evenly coated with the sauce.
13. Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat.
14. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi immediately, garnished with reserved bacon, green onions, and extra Parmesan cheese if preferred.

Notes

• If you prefer, substitute turkey or thigh meat for the chicken breasts.
• To make shredding easier, you can use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed.
• For extra creaminess, add a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
• Leftover gnocchi can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adjust red pepper flakes carefully to control the spice level.
• This dish can be made ahead and kept warm in the slow cooker before serving.

Keywords: Creamy crack chicken, gnocchi recipe, slow cooker chicken, comfort food, cheesy chicken gnocchi, easy dinner