Melt-in-Your-Mouth Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Comfort takes center stage with this irresistible creamy chicken gnocchi recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Soft potato dumplings dance alongside tender chicken pieces in a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Each spoonful delivers a heartwarming blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

The creamy sauce wraps around plump gnocchi like a warm embrace, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you experience this delectable creation.

Dive into a meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this soul-warming masterpiece.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main body of the dish and adds substantial flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy pork that brings a rich, smoky element to the overall recipe.

• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic ingredient that balances the richness of the dish.
• Cheese, Parmesan: Sharp and salty ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the primary carbohydrate base of the recipe.
• Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a foundational flavor profile.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, consistent texture.
• Stock, Chicken: Liquid base that adds depth and helps poach the chicken.
• Oil Spray: Prevents sticking and helps cook ingredients evenly.

• Herbs: Fresh green ingredients that add a bright, final layer of flavor to the dish.

Steps to Make Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Poach Chicken Breasts

Place chicken breasts in a skillet with chicken stock.

Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked through.

Remove chicken and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon Bits

Spray a large skillet with cooking oil.

Add diced bacon and cook until golden brown and perfectly crispy.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté finely chopped shallots until translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing their fragrant oils.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Remaining chicken stock
• Whole milk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Grated parmesan cheese

Blend cornstarch into the mixture to help thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add sliced chicken and soft gnocchi to the sauce.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 6: Broil and Garnish

Transfer mixture to a baking dish.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top.

Broil until cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.

Garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

• Use low, gentle heat when poaching chicken to keep meat tender and prevent tough, rubbery texture.
• Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and even golden-brown color.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps and create silky, consistent sauce texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting quality and richer flavor profile.
• Add chopped fresh herbs just before serving to maintain vibrant color and robust aromatic notes.

Variations for Crack Chicken Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Swap: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato or cauliflower gnocchi for a gluten-free alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken substitute or extra firm tofu, using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and dairy-free bacon alternatives for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

• Comfort Food Feast: Pair this creamy crack chicken gnocchi with fresh accompaniments to elevate your meal.
• Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish and add refreshing crunch.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Slice crusty bread, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden for perfect sauce-dipping partner.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio to complement the creamy texture and cut through richness.

Storing Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping the chicken gnocchi fresh and delicious.
• Carefully transfer to freezer-safe container, where the dish will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Keep crispy bacon and fresh herbs separate until serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess when storing.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this dish its creamy texture?

The combination of milk, chicken stock, cream cheese, and parmesan creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour. However, you can substitute with gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative that adds extra flavor and reduces cooking time.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild and creamy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to customize the spice level.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Comfort Dish

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious one-pan meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Layering ingredients like bacon, shallots, and cheese creates a rich, complex taste that transforms simple gnocchi into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the creamy, satisfying core of the dish intact.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi in a creamy sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free celebration.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy chicken gnocchi delivers comfort on a plate, blending Italian tradition with hearty home cooking. Rich potato dumplings nestled with tender chicken promise a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 small chicken breasts (360g / 12.7 ounces)
• 75g (2.6 ounces) lean smoked back bacon, diced

Pasta and Liquids:

• 500g (17.6 ounces) potato gnocchi (vacuum packed)
• 3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Herbs, Spices, and Cheese:

• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 175g (6.2 ounces) Laughing Cow light cheese
• 60g (2.1 ounces) fresh grated cheddar
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Poach chicken in stock for 10-12 minutes at medium heat until fully cooked, then slice into tender strips.
2. Render bacon in a light spray of oil until crisp and golden brown, creating crunchy texture.
3. In the same pan, sauté shallots until translucent, then quickly add minced garlic and briefly toast.
4. Create sauce by combining remaining stock, creamy milk, tangy lemon juice, seasonings, and cheese, whisking cornstarch to thicken smoothly.
5. Incorporate sliced chicken and pillowy gnocchi into sauce, bringing mixture to gentle boil and simmering for 5 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
6. Transfer creamy mixture to baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and broil at high temperature until cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with crispy bacon crumbles and fresh chopped herbs for final burst of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Poaching chicken in stock ensures juicy, flavorful meat without drying out.
• Cooking bacon first creates a delicious base flavor and renders fat for additional sautéing.
• Whisking cornstarch prevents lumps and helps thicken sauce smoothly.
• Broiling adds a golden, crispy cheese topping that elevates the dish’s texture and appearance.
• Use reduced-sodium stock and skip added salt to control sodium intake.
• Replace regular gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi.
• Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternative.
• Prepare components separately and assemble just before baking to maintain optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 95mg