I remember being a broke college student, desperately trying to impress my roommates with something other than instant ramen, and that’s when I stumbled upon a variation of this dish; it was a simplified, less glorious ancestor of what we now know as Crack Chicken Gnocchi. Now, years later and with a few culinary tricks up my sleeve, I’m so excited to share my elevated version: Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. I promise, this recipe is easier than acing that organic chemistry exam, and the results are guaranteed to be far more delicious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Seriously, get ready to add this to your weekly rotation. Here’s why this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is about to become your new favorite:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – this is the definition of comfort food.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. Prepare for requests for seconds (and thirds!).
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences. Swap out ingredients, add veggies, or adjust the spice level.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please! This recipe comes together beautifully in one large skillet or pot.
What is “Crack Chicken” Anyway?
If you’re new to the “Crack Chicken” phenomenon, let me enlighten you! The name might sound a little… intense, but it simply refers to a flavor combination that is incredibly addictive. Think creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored chicken with bacon. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. And when combined with pillowy soft gnocchi? Pure magic. That’s why this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi takes it to the next level. It’s pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dish:
- Gnocchi: 1 (16-ounce) package of shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi. I prefer potato gnocchi, but you can use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use pre-cooked shredded chicken for an even faster meal.
- Bacon: 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Because, bacon.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This is the key to the creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: 1 (1-ounce) packet. Don’t skimp on this! It’s what gives the dish its signature “crack” flavor.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup. Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup. For extra richness and creaminess. You can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Because cheese makes everything better.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Adds a punch of flavor.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions, fresh parsley, extra bacon crumbles.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in no time:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet – this will add extra flavor to the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Add Garlic and Gnocchi
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to lightly brown.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! That ranch chicken flavor really shines.
Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Bacon
Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. Add most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish) to the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi!
Tips for the Best Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a total success:
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi can become gummy if overcooked. Cook them just until they are tender and slightly browned.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will give you the best results.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the remaining steps.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Spinach, broccoli, peas, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Healthy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Use cauliflower gnocchi, light cream cheese, and turkey bacon to lighten up the dish.
- Crack Chicken Gnocchi with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms, to the skillet along with the gnocchi.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella would all be delicious options.
- Different Protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey instead of chicken breasts.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic Bread: To soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into the creamy sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
More Delicious Gnocchi Recipes to Try
If you’re as obsessed with gnocchi as I am, here are a few other gnocchi recipes you might enjoy:
- Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: A simple and flavorful dish with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a garlic-infused sauce.
- Crack Chicken Gnocchi: If you want a simpler version of this recipe, this is a great option.
Other Comfort Food Dinners You’ll Love
Craving more delicious comfort food? Check out these recipes:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky – this pasta dish is pure comfort food.
- Crack Chicken Penne: Another variation of the “crack chicken” theme, but with penne pasta instead of gnocchi.
- Chicken Bacon Pasta: A classic combination of chicken, bacon, and pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: Simple, satisfying, and bursting with garlic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time. Simply add it to the skillet along with the gnocchi.
- Can I use frozen gnocchi?
- Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. There’s no need to thaw it first; just add it to the skillet and cook for a few minutes longer.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based chicken substitutes, or by omitting the chicken altogether and adding extra vegetables.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella.
- Can I add hot sauce?
- Yes, you can add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick! This really elevates the ranch chicken flavor.
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Alright, here’s the full recipe for your convenience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble, reserving 1 tbsp of grease in the skillet.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through (165°F).
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. Add most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish) to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What makes this dish “Crack Chicken”?
The name “Crack Chicken” refers to an incredibly addictive flavor combination of creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored chicken with bacon.
Can I use something other than potato gnocchi?
Yes, you can use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble, reserving 1 tablespoon of grease in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. Add most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish) to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
