Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken with rich cheeses and perfectly pillowy gnocchi. This slow cooker recipe is effortless and delivers a deliciously creamy, savory meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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 dressing seasoning mix and Italian dressing seasoning mix 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 if you want it to 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 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 with the cream cheese and broth mixture. Stir until well combined and creamy.
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 the gnocchi immediately in a colander.
9. Step 9: Pour heavy cream into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
10. Step 10: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
11. Step 11: Add cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped green onions to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well, reserving some for garnish if desired.
12. Step 12: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
13. Step 13: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes as desired.
14. Step 14: Serve immediately, garnished with extra bacon, green onions, and Parmesan cheese if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels before adding.
• Use smoked gouda or mozzarella cheese for a different cheesy twist.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• To make it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, bake the seasoned chicken covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until tender.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?

Either works well! Store-bought gnocchi is convenient, but homemade gnocchi adds a fresh, tender texture if you prefer making it from scratch.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and indulgent slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce seasoned with Ranch and Italian dressings, combined with tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Slow Cooker Sauce

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 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

Additional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle the Ranch and Italian dressing seasoning mixes over the top to infuse the chicken with flavor.
2. Add Broth and Cream Cheese: Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, then add softened cream cheese cubes on top of the chicken to help create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
3. Slow Cook: Cover 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 from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer set to low speed for a quick and even shredding.
5. Return to Slow Cooker: Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and broth to create a rich, creamy base.
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 until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
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 with the shredded chicken mixture and stir well to combine into a smooth sauce.
10. Add Cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker until melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
11. Add Bacon and Green Onions: Mix 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 creamy chicken mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly with the sauce.
13. Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if preferred.
14. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi immediately. Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use softened cream cheese cut into cubes for faster melting during cooking.
• Cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model; check for chicken tenderness before shredding.
• Gnocchi cooks quickly; monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
• Reserve some bacon and green onions for garnish to add a fresh and crispy contrast.
• For added heat, red pepper flakes can be sprinkled at the end or served on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken, Gnocchi, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Cream Cheese, Bacon, Chicken Dinner