Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. Combining tender chicken breasts, crispy smoked bacon, creamy cheese, and soft gnocchi, this dish delivers a mouthwatering combination of textures and savory flavors. The creamy sauce is rich and smooth, infused with herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

This recipe is called “crack chicken” because it’s so delicious and addicting that you’ll find yourself going back for more. The addition of the potato gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy element to the dish, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully. It’s a perfect meal for those who love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes but want to try something a little different.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

The combination of Laughing Cow light cheese, cheddar, and milk creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken beautifully.

2. Simple and Quick

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

3. Hearty and Filling

With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft gnocchi, this dish is both comforting and filling, ideal for satisfying hunger after a long day.

4. Packed with Flavor

The blend of garlic, onion powder, dill, chives, and parsley gives the dish a fresh and flavorful kick, while the smoked bacon adds a savory richness.

5. One-Pan Wonder

This recipe is easy to prepare with minimal cleanup. The entire dish is cooked in one pan, making it convenient and mess-free.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

• Small chicken breasts (360g)
• Lean smoked back bacon (75g, diced)
• Low sodium chicken stock (3½ cups)
• Potato gnocchi (500g, vacuum packed)
• Shallot (1, finely diced)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• 2% milk (½ cup)
• Lemon juice (½ tablespoon)
• Laughing Cow light cheese (175g)
• Cornstarch (½ tablespoon)
• Fresh grated cheddar (60g)
• Dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
• Dried chives (1 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
• Dried dill (½ teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the chicken and bacon for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian meal.

Add Extra Veggies

For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms. These veggies will cook quickly and complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

Spicy Kick

If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Low-Carb Version

To make this dish even lower in carbs, you can replace the potato gnocchi with zucchini noodles or another low-carb alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them for 6-7 minutes per side until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, add the diced smoked bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the diced shallot and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Pour in the chicken stock, and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, whisk in the milk, lemon juice, Laughing Cow cheese, and cornstarch until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and add the gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet along with the crispy bacon. Stir everything together, ensuring the gnocchi and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well-combined and heated through, garnish the dish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer if needed to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Gnocchi: If possible, use fresh gnocchi for a softer and more delicate texture. If using vacuum-packed gnocchi, ensure it is cooked properly to avoid any gumminess.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil make a wonderful garnish for this dish, adding a fresh pop of flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy gnocchi dish as a standalone meal, or pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. It’s rich enough to be the star of your plate but simple enough to complement other sides if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken stock to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing

Although gnocchi tends to be a little delicate, you can freeze the entire dish. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or chicken stock to bring back the creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the Laughing Cow cheese for cream cheese or even mascarpone cheese. Use a different cheese for the topping, like mozzarella, if you prefer.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point where the chicken and gnocchi are combined with the sauce. Then, refrigerate until ready to serve and reheat as needed.

4. What if I don’t have smoked bacon?

You can use regular bacon or even pancetta as a substitute. Alternatively, skip the bacon for a lighter version of the dish.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

6. How do I make this dish spicier?

For some extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate a chopped chili pepper when sautéing the garlic and shallots.

7. Can I use other types of pasta?

If you don’t have gnocchi, you can replace it with any type of pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the dish, but gnocchi may become a bit soft upon reheating. To prevent this, try freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the gnocchi.

9. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, simply dissolve a little more cornstarch in cold water and stir it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer until it thickens.

10. Can I add more veggies to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to enhance the dish and add more texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a deliciously indulgent and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and soft gnocchi in a comforting bowl of goodness. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or when you just want something hearty and delicious. Whether you serve it on its own or with your favorite side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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