There’s something magical about a recipe that comes together in one pan, with minimal effort, and still manages to taste like a warm, comforting hug. I first made this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi on a hectic Tuesday when my fridge was looking sparse and my patience was running thin. I needed something fast, filling, and guaranteed to please my whole family. This dish delivered on all fronts, and it’s been in our regular rotation ever since. The name “crack chicken” comes from that irresistible, savory, creamy flavor profile that makes it so addictive you just can’t stop eating it. Paired with soft, pillowy gnocchi, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated. If you love creamy pasta dishes and the classic flavors of ranch and bacon, this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is about to become your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Ingredients
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi starts with a simple lineup of ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Smart Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a richer, more forgiving cut of meat.
- Gnocchi: Cauliflower gnocchi works for a lower-carb option, though cooking times may vary.
- Bacon: Pancetta is a great substitute, or omit for a lighter version.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ranch Seasoning: Make your own blend with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt and pepper.
Quick Timing for Your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
That’s right—from pan to plate in half an hour. It’s significantly faster than many other creamy pasta bakes, making it a true weeknight lifesaver.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Making this dish is a straightforward process that builds layers of flavor in a single skillet.
Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the hot skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pro Tip: Don’t let the garlic burn, as it will make the entire dish taste bitter.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Whisk in the ranch seasoning until dissolved. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Simmer: Add the uncooked gnocchi to the creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. The gnocchi will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all that amazing flavor.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the cooked chicken, most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish), and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through and beautifully combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a splash of additional chicken broth.
Nutritional Information for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
A single serving (approximately 1.5 cups) provides roughly:
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 34g
This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken, and the gnocchi provides energy-boosting carbohydrates. For a lighter version, see the healthier alternatives below.
Equipment Needed for This One-Pan Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, and that extends to the tools you’ll need.
- A large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven (this is essential for containing everything)
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk and a wooden spoon or spatula
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- It’s a True 30-Minute Meal. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- One-Pan Wonder. Minimal cleanup is a huge win for any home cook.
- Comfort Food at Its Best. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi are the definition of cozy.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors. The combination of bacon, ranch, and cheese is a universal winner for both kids and adults.
- Incredibly Versatile. It’s easy to customize with different proteins, cheeses, or vegetables.
Healthier Alternatives for Your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
If you’re looking to lighten things up, these simple swaps work beautifully:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your gnocchi is certified gluten-free (many potato gnocchi brands are).
- Lower-Carb/Keto: Swap the potato gnocchi for cauliflower florets. You may need to adjust the cook time slightly. Our Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup is another fantastic low-carb option with similar flavors.
- Lighter Cream Sauce: Use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Boost Veggies: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until wilted, or add diced bell peppers with the onion.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This dish is a complete meal in a bowl, but a simple side can round it out perfectly.
- Toppings: Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
- With a Salad: A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.
- With Bread: A crusty baguette or slice of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
- Similar Comforts: If you love the vibe of this dish, you’ll also adore our Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie for another hearty, creamy chicken dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Overcooking the Chicken. Since the chicken gets added back to the sauce, be sure to just cook it until no longer pink in the middle during the browning stage to keep it tender.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese. Softened cream cheese blends into the sauce much more easily, preventing a lumpy texture.
- Not Deglazing the Pan. Those browned bits left from cooking the chicken and bacon are pure flavor gold. Make sure to scrape them all up with the chicken broth.
- Crowding the Pan. When browning the chicken, do it in a single layer if possible. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of giving it a nice sear.
Storing Tips for Your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid. Microwave reheating is also fine, but stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Your New Go-To Comfort Food
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is the kind of easy, satisfying meal that makes weeknight cooking something to look forward to. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together with shockingly little effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just meal prepping for yourself, it’s a guaranteed hit. If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting gnocchi dishes, you absolutely must try our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup or our Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup next.
I’d love to hear how your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi turns out! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious creation.
FAQs about Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
There’s something magical about a recipe that comes together in one pan, with minimal effort, and still manages to taste like a warm, comforting hug. This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi delivers irresistible, savory, creamy flavor paired with soft, pillowy gnocchi for the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the hot skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Whisk in the ranch seasoning until dissolved. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the uncooked gnocchi to the creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the cooked chicken, most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish), and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through and beautifully combined.
Notes
Smart Substitutions: Chicken thighs for richer flavor, cauliflower gnocchi for lower-carb option, pancetta instead of bacon, half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
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