Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Gnocchi
This dish brings together the best of comfort food, with soft potato gnocchi simmered in a creamy ranch-style sauce that highlights juicy poached chicken breast, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy smoked bacon. It’s a recipe that’s easy to whip up, especially on those busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavors that feel just right for sharing with family and friends.
One of the biggest perks is how simple it is to make, perfect for anyone new to cooking or juggling a hectic schedule. The steps flow nicely, using everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand, so you can get dinner on the table fast. This Crack Chicken Gnocchi delivers a satisfying meal that’s not only tasty but also helps you feel good about what you’re eating.
It’s also versatile for different lifestyles, letting you tweak it based on what you need, like cutting calories or making it fit special diets. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this recipe adds a fun twist to weeknight dinners that keeps things exciting. Let’s not forget the health side, as it includes lean proteins and simple carbs that support a balanced diet without skimping on taste.
To learn more about the benefits of chicken in recipes like this, check out this resource on chicken nutrition. For a similar take on creamy pasta dishes, you might enjoy our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe on the site.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- 5. Mastering Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- 8. Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Essential Ingredients for Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Crack Chicken Gnocchi turn out just right. Each one plays a part in creating that creamy, flavorful dish that’s so comforting. I’ll walk you through the list so you can see exactly what you need and why it works.
Here’s a structured list of all the ingredients required for this recipe. I’ve pulled them straight from the details to make sure you have everything measured out accurately:
- 2 small uncooked chicken breasts (approximately 360g)
- 3.5 cups (840ml) of low sodium chicken stock
- 75g of uncooked lean smoked back bacon diced small (fat removed)
- 1 finely diced shallot
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- ½ cup (120ml) of 2% milk
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 175g of light cream cheese
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 500g of dry potato gnocchi
- 60g of grated cheddar cheese
- Olive oil spray
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or spring onions, for garnish
These ingredients come together to make a dish that serves 4 people, with each serving clocking in at about 530 calories. That includes 14g of total fat, with 7g saturated, 146mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 58g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 6g sugars, and 44g protein. For more on how potatoes add to the goodness, take a look at this guide to potato benefits.
How to Prepare the Perfect Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with Crack Chicken Gnocchi is all about following a few straightforward steps that lead to a delicious result. First, you’ll poach the chicken breasts in 2 cups (480ml) of the low sodium chicken stock until they’re fully cooked, which takes about 10-15 minutes, then slice them up. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy, setting the base for the dish.
Next, cook the 75g of diced lean smoked back bacon in a pan until it’s nice and crisp, which adds that smoky crunch we all love. While that’s happening, sauté the 1 finely diced shallot and 2 cloves of minced garlic in a bit of olive oil spray until they’re fragrant and soft. Then, mix in the remaining stock (adjusted to 360ml), along with the ½ cup (120ml) of 2% milk, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 175g of light cream cheese, and the herb blend: 1 teaspoon each of parsley, chives, and onion powder, plus ½ teaspoon each of dill and garlic powder.
To thicken the sauce, stir in the ½ tablespoon of cornstarch and let it simmer until smooth. Add the poached chicken and 500g of uncooked dry potato gnocchi to the sauce, then simmer everything together until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce thickens up, about 5-10 minutes. Finally, transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish, top it with 60g of grated cheddar cheese, and grill until the cheese melts and browns beautifully. Garnish with the cooked bacon and fresh chopped parsley or spring onions before serving immediately.
This whole process usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes, making it a great choice for quick meals. Remember, cooking the gnocchi in the sauce helps it absorb flavors and thicken the mix, but if you’re curious about other methods, our Crack Chicken Penne recipe offers some handy tips on pasta variations.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Making Crack Chicken Gnocchi work for your needs is easy with a few smart swaps. For instance, if you’re looking to go vegan, swap the chicken for something like marinated tofu and use coconut cream instead of milk and cream cheese. These changes keep the creamy texture while fitting your diet.
Protein options can include shredded turkey or even pulled pork if you want a different twist, while plant-based choices like tempeh add variety. For vegetables, you could swap out any additions for kale or mushrooms to boost nutrients. Changes like using cashew cream for the sauce or gluten-free gnocchi help make this dish adaptable for everyone at the table.
Here’s a quick table to summarize some common substitutions:
| Original Ingredient | Substitution | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Tofu or tempeh | For vegan options |
| 2% milk and cream cheese | Coconut cream | Dairy-free alternative |
| Regular gnocchi | Gluten-free gnocchi | To make it gluten-free |
Experimenting with these can turn your Crack Chicken Gnocchi into something truly personal, all while keeping that comforting feel.
Mastering Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Advanced Tips and Variations
Pro Cooking Techniques
To take your Crack Chicken Gnocchi to the next level, try lightly searing the cooked gnocchi in a pan for a crispy outside before adding it to the sauce. This adds a fun texture that makes every bite more interesting and satisfying.
Another tip is to prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the gnocchi to keep things fresh when you’re ready to eat. Flavor variations could include tossing in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and taste that elevates the dish without much effort.
Presentation Ideas
When it comes to serving, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top can make your plate look as good as it tastes. For make-ahead meals, cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine with gnocchi right before heating to keep everything at its best. These little tricks help you enjoy this recipe even more, turning a simple dinner into a standout meal.
How to Store Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Best Practices
Keeping your Crack Chicken Gnocchi fresh is straightforward if you follow a few easy steps. First, pop it into airtight containers and stick it in the fridge, where it can last up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy leftovers without losing that creamy goodness.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back that smooth texture. For meal prep, separate the gnocchi from the sauce before storing so they don’t get mushy, then mix them together just before serving for the ultimate taste.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Can I cook the gnocchi separately before adding it to Crack Chicken Gnocchi?
While you can cook gnocchi separately, this recipe benefits from cooking the gnocchi directly in the sauce because the starch released helps thicken the sauce for a creamy texture. If you choose to cook gnocchi separately, the sauce may be thinner and less cohesive. Using store-bought vacuum-packed dry potato gnocchi works best for this method. For fresh gnocchi, it’s better to add it to the sauce near the end, cooking just a few minutes to avoid disintegration.
What type of chicken works best for Crack Chicken Gnocchi?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. Thighs provide more moisture and tenderness, while breasts offer leaner meat. You can cook the chicken beforehand by boiling, baking, or pan-searing, then shred or cube it before adding to the sauce. Using cooked chicken speeds up the process and ensures the meat is tender within the creamy gnocchi mixture.
How long does it take to make Crack Chicken Gnocchi from start to finish?
This dish typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes to prepare. Cooking the chicken takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, while the sauce and gnocchi cook in around 10 minutes. This quick cooking time makes it suitable for weeknight dinners when you need a filling yet fast meal.
Is Crack Chicken Gnocchi gluten-free?
Most store-bought gnocchi contain wheat flour, so the traditional recipe is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with gluten-free gnocchi varieties made from potatoes or alternative flours. Always check the labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present, especially in prepackaged gnocchi.
Can I add vegetables to Crack Chicken Gnocchi to make it healthier?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli can boost the nutrition of the dish without altering the core flavors significantly. Add quick-cooking vegetables towards the end of the sauce preparation to keep their texture and color, or sauté them separately and stir in before serving for extra freshness and vitamins.
Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Contains Dairy and Gluten
Description
🍽️ Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender gnocchi and juicy poached chicken, perfect for satisfying meals.
🧄 The rich garlic-infused ranch-style sauce combined with smoky bacon creates a flavorful, hearty dinner experience.
Ingredients
– 2 small uncooked chicken breasts (approximately 360g)
– 3.5 cups (840ml) of low sodium chicken stock
– 75g of uncooked lean smoked back bacon diced small (fat removed)
– 1 finely diced shallot
– 2 cloves of minced garlic
– ½ cup (120ml) of 2% milk
– ½ tablespoon lemon juice
– 175g of light cream cheese
– ½ tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon parsley
– 1 teaspoon chives
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon dill
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 500g of dry potato gnocchi
– 60g of grated cheddar cheese
– Olive oil spray
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
– Fresh chopped parsley or spring onions, for garnish
Instructions
1-Getting started: Getting started with Crack Chicken Gnocchi is all about following a few straightforward steps that lead to a delicious result. First, you’ll poach the chicken breasts in 2 cups (480ml) of the low sodium chicken stock until they’re fully cooked, which takes about 10-15 minutes, then slice them up. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy, setting the base for the dish.
2-Cook the bacon and sauté aromatics: Next, cook the 75g of diced lean smoked back bacon in a pan until it’s nice and crisp, which adds that smoky crunch we all love. While that’s happening, sauté the 1 finely diced shallot and 2 cloves of minced garlic in a bit of olive oil spray until they’re fragrant and soft. Then, mix in the remaining stock (adjusted to 360ml), along with the ½ cup (120ml) of 2% milk, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 175g of light cream cheese, and the herb blend: 1 teaspoon each of parsley, chives, and onion powder, plus ½ teaspoon each of dill and garlic powder.
3-Thicken and simmer: To thicken the sauce, stir in the ½ tablespoon of cornstarch and let it simmer until smooth. Add the poached chicken and 500g of uncooked dry potato gnocchi to the sauce, then simmer everything together until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce thickens up, about 5-10 minutes. Finally, transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish, top it with 60g of grated cheddar cheese, and grill until the cheese melts and browns beautifully. Garnish with the cooked bacon and fresh chopped parsley or spring onions before serving immediately.
Notes
🥓 Use lean smoked bacon for a smoky flavor with less fat.
🧄 Freshly minced garlic can enhance garlic sauce flavor.
⏰ Cook gnocchi just until tender to avoid mushiness during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Poaching, Sautéing, Simmering, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 905 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 146 mg
Keywords: crack chicken gnocchi, creamy garlic sauce, bacon gnocchi, comforting dinner