Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop in preparation for cooking the gnocchi.
- 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.
- Drain the Gnocchi: Drain the cooked gnocchi immediately in a colander to prevent overcooking.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture and stir well to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring all gnocchi are evenly coated with the sauce.
- 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.
- 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
