IRRESISTIBLE CRACK CHICKEN GNOCCHI

Forget your diet for a single, glorious night because creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded Crack Chicken Gnocchi is about to become your new comfort food obsession. Picture tender gnocchi swimming in a rich, flavor-packed sauce, studded with juicy chicken and crispy bacon – it’s pure indulgence in every bite. Get ready, my friend, because this recipe is guaranteed to be a weeknight winner!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crack Chicken Gnocchi:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)

The Magic Behind Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Okay, so you might be wondering what makes this Crack Chicken Gnocchi so darn addictive. It’s all about the combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, plus the satisfying textures of the tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and crispy bacon. The ranch seasoning mix is the secret ingredient, adding a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, you’ll understand the name once you take your first bite!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, shred it using two forks. Set aside.

Crafting the Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the sour cream and ranch seasoning mix. Mix well to combine.
5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.

Bringing It All Together: Gnocchi Time!

1. Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
3. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

The Grand Finale: Bacon & Garnish

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in most of the cooked and crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
3. Garnish with the remaining bacon and sliced green onions (if using).
4. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Crack Chicken Gnocchi Perfection

Even though this Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is relatively straightforward, here are a few tips and solutions to common issues to ensure your dish turns out absolutely perfect:

• Chicken Drying Out: Overcooked chicken is a common culprit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook the chicken to 165°F (74°C) without overdoing it. Alternatively, you can poach the chicken in chicken broth for a super moist result.
• Sauce Too Thick: If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken it.
• Gnocchi Sticking: To prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom of the skillet, stir it frequently while it’s simmering in the sauce. Using a non-stick skillet also helps.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning mix to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use slightly less. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some cooked broccoli florets, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeno pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Pepper jack cheese would add some heat, while Gruyere would add a nutty flavor.
• Use Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with cooked turkey or even shredded pork.
• Cream Cheese Alternative: Try using Neufchatel cheese, which is a lower fat alternative to cream cheese.
• Make it a Casserole: Pour the Crack Chicken Gnocchi into a baking dish, top with extra cheese and bacon, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

What to Serve with Crack Chicken Gnocchi

This Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few side dish suggestions:

• Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy gnocchi.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dish options.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.

Making Ahead & Storing Leftovers

You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken, then add the cooked gnocchi and bacon.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let’s recap why this Crack Chicken Gnocchi is about to become your new go-to recipe:

• It’s incredibly easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
• It’s packed with flavor: The combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning is simply irresistible.
• It’s customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences.
• It’s perfect for a crowd: This recipe is great for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you need to feed a lot of people.
• It’s guaranteed to be a hit: Seriously, everyone who tries this Crack Chicken Gnocchi will be begging you for the recipe!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the deliciousness of Crack Chicken Gnocchi. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Irresistible Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe features tender potato gnocchi coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce loaded with juicy chicken and crispy bacon. The addition of ranch seasoning creates an incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Fork

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 oz ranch seasoning mix 1 packet
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, shred it using two forks. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Reduce heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the sour cream and ranch seasoning mix. Mix well to combine.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
• Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
• Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
• Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Stir in most of the cooked and crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
• Garnish with the remaining bacon and sliced green onions (if using).
• Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir gnocchi frequently to prevent sticking. To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or skillet. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before combining with the gnocchi.