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A close-up shot of creamy and delicious Crack Chicken Gnocchi, ready to be served as a featured image.

Irresistible Crack Chicken Gnocchi

This recipe elevates the classic crack chicken flavor by combining it with pillowy gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's a comforting and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The key is to simmer the gnocchi in the sauce to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • Lid for skillet

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and shred or dice.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and combined.
  5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Add the shredded or diced chicken and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. Simmer the gnocchi gently to prevent them from becoming gummy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can substitute different cheeses for cheddar, such as Gruyere or a cheddar blend. For a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.