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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for cooking the gnocchi.
- 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.
- Drain the Gnocchi: Immediately drain the gnocchi in a colander to prevent overcooking.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker until melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions: Mix in the cooked crumbled bacon and chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Add Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly with the sauce.
- 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.
- 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
