Introduction

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and pillowy gnocchi for the ultimate comfort food experience. Rich and flavorful, it’s perfect for cozy dinners 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
1/2 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

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

Tips & Variations

For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of slow cooking raw chicken.
Add spinach or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Swap gnocchi for cooked pasta if preferred.
Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on spice preference.

Storage

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

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 in a covered pot over low heat on the stove until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours, then proceed with shredding and combining the ingredients.

What alternatives can I use for the Ranch and Italian seasoning mixes?

If you don’t have seasoning mixes on hand, try a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of paprika to mimic the flavors.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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4.6 from 102 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food combining tender slow-cooked chicken seasoned with Ranch and Italian dressings, creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi all melded into a rich, cheesy sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that is easy to prepare with the help of a slow cooker and stovetop cooking.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

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
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Gnocchi and Cheese

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

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle both the Ranch dressing seasoning mix and Italian dressing seasoning mix over the chicken to infuse flavor.
Add Broth and Cream Cheese: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add it on top to help it melt evenly and create a creamy base.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed, shred the chicken finely for a smooth texture.
Return to Slow Cooker: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the melted cream cheese and broth mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is combined into a creamy sauce.
Boil Water: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on the stovetop, preparing to cook the gnocchi.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
Drain the Gnocchi: Immediately drain the cooked gnocchi in a colander to prevent overcooking.
Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker with the creamy chicken mixture, stirring well to combine for a rich consistency.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue mixing until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
Add Bacon and Green Onions: Fold in the cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped green onions into the slow cooker, reserving some for garnish if you like.
Add Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the chicken mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Season to Taste: Taste your dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Add red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat boost.
Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi immediately. Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Using softened cream cheese helps it melt faster and blend smoothly into the sauce.
Cooking the gnocchi just until they float ensures they are tender but not overcooked.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, cheesy chicken, gnocchi recipe, easy dinner