Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a ranch-inspired creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. This one-pan dish is indulgent yet easy to make, and it’s a guaranteed hit with family or guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 6 slices smoked bacon diced
- 1 medium shallot finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup milk whole milk for creaminess
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces cream cheese or 4 Laughing Cow cheese wedges
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley dried chives, onion powder, and dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a small saucepan with chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken poaches, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and fry until golden and crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to maintain its crunch.
- Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), sauté finely diced shallots until soft and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, letting its aroma bloom for 30 seconds.
- Pour chicken stock, milk, lemon juice, and seasonings into the skillet. Add cream cheese or Laughing Cow wedges, breaking them up with a whisk as they melt. Stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce, ensuring all ingredients combine smoothly.
- Gently fold in the gnocchi and sliced chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften and the sauce to coat everything evenly, creating a creamy base that brings it all together.
- Top the skillet mixture with freshly grated cheddar cheese. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Sprinkle crispy bacon over the top, adding parsley for a garnish if desired.
Notes
- Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and avoids clumping.
- Balance the Herbs: Adjust the amount of dried herbs based on your personal preference.
- Thicker Sauce Tip: If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch to make it thicker and creamier.