I have to share my absolute favorite recipe with you—Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. Just the name alone is enough to get your taste buds dancing! This dish is a cozy hug in a bowl and has that magical ability to make any day feel a little brighter. I first stumbled across this recipe during a chilly winter evening, and let me tell you, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The creamy sauce with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi truly feels like comfort food at its finest.
What makes this recipe unique is its combination of ingredients that blend so effortlessly together. The creamy, dreamy sauce and the earthy flavors of the chicken, combined with the soft gnocchi, create a symphony of texture and taste that I just can’t resist. Whenever I make it, I can almost hear my friends asking for seconds (and thirds)!
What’s in Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi?
Let’s dive into the delicious components of this dish so you can see just how simple yet fulfilling it is!
Gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are the heart of the dish! I prefer the shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, making homemade gnocchi is a fun project!
Chicken Breast: I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breast to keep it lean and tender. You could easily swap this for cooked rotisserie chicken to save time or use leftovers for an even more flavor-packed dish.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon! It melts down well into a creamy sauce, adding richness and a touch of tang.
Chicken Broth: A low-sodium or homemade chicken broth works beautifully here to keep the sodium levels down while bringing depth to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar adds that irresistible cheesiness that just enhances everything. I love using freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
Bacon: Because why not? Cooked and crumbled bacon brings a savory crunch that takes this dish over the top!
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the richness of the creaminess.
Is Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Good for You?
Let’s be honest—while this dish is pure joy on a plate, it’s not exactly the epitome of “health food.” However, it does come with some benefits!
Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein that helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
Cream Cheese: While it does add richness and calories, using a light cream cheese can help cut those calories a bit, all while keeping that creamy goodness.
Bacon: While it brings incredible flavor, it’s best used in moderation. You can also opt for turkey bacon or leave it out entirely if you’d prefer a lighter version.
Of course, enjoying this dish occasionally and in moderation is key, especially if you are watching your saturated fat intake.
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 4 people. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound of gnocchi
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 8 ounces cream cheese
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi?
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up and ready to go, let’s get cooking!
1. Start by cooking the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once they float to the top, they’re done! Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
4. Once the sauce is smooth, add in the cooked gnocchi, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Stir until everything is coated in that glorious creamy goodness.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with the remaining bacon and chopped green onions for garnish. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve it up and watch as your friends and family dive in with big smiles!
Servings Suggestions to Savor the Flavor!
This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing break from the creaminess. You can also pair it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy sauce—delicious! If you want to make it even more decadent, consider sprinkling some more cheese on top and broiling it for a minute or two.
I hope you give this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi a try! It’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. I’d love to hear how it turns out when you whip it up, so don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!
