If you’re craving a warm, creamy, and indulgent meal, this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is just what you need! It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, making it one of the best easy hearty meals and comfort foods you’ll ever try.
Whether you’re looking for quick cozy meals, comfort slow cooker meals, or family-friendly chicken dinners, this dish is the perfect balance of ease and indulgence. Serve it on a chilly evening or as a go-to weeknight dinner—it’s always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make – Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy & comforting – The rich cheese sauce and soft gnocchi make it the ultimate comfort meal for families.
- One-pot meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
- Kid-friendly & family-approved – Even picky eaters will love it.
- Versatile cooking methods – Make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- 16 ounces (450g) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning.
- Stir until the cheeses are fully melted, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi & Combine
- Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
- If using, mix in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish with a fresh salad or crusty bread!
Tips for the Best Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Use fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi – Both work well, but fresh gnocchi cooks faster.
- For extra richness, add a splash of milk or more cream if needed.
- Want more flavor? Try smoked gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar.
- Make it lighter by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half.
Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Instructions
Slow Cooker Version:
- Add chicken, seasonings, broth, and cream cheese to the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken, add cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning, then stir in the gnocchi.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW until the gnocchi is tender.
Instant Pot Version:
- Use the Sauté mode to cook the chicken, then add broth and cream cheese.
- Pressure cook on HIGH for 8 minutes, then quick release.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, and gnocchi, then set to Sauté for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender.
Variations of This Recipe
- Buffalo Crack Chicken Gnocchi – Add 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for a spicy kick!
- Vegetable-Packed Gnocchi – Stir in mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a healthier twist.
- Baked Crack Chicken Gnocchi – Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy crack chicken gnocchi with:
- A fresh side salad for balance.
- Garlic bread for scooping up the sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the gnocchi – It only needs a few minutes to become soft.
- Skipping the cheese melting step – The cream cheese and cheddar must be fully melted for a smooth sauce.
- Not seasoning enough – The ranch seasoning and smoked paprika add tons of flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and skip the step of cooking raw chicken.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh gnocchi all work—adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cream alternative.
What can I use instead of bacon?
Crispy pancetta or turkey bacon makes a great substitute!
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is comfort food at its best—rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy but delicious dinners!
Crack Chicken Gnocchi : A Comforting Meal!
If you’re craving a warm, creamy, and indulgent meal, this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is just what you need! It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi,
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & knifeLarge skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & knife
- 1 pound 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup 240ml chicken broth
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 4 ounces 113g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- 16 ounces 450g potato gnocchi
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning.
- Stir until the cheeses are fully melted, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi & Combine
- Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
- If using, mix in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish with a fresh salad or crusty bread!
Use fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi – Both work well, but fresh gnocchi cooks faster.
For extra richness, add a splash of milk or more cream if needed.
Want more flavor? Try smoked gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar.