The Art of Crack Chicken Gnocchi Perfection

Building Flavor Foundation

Master the art of creating a flavorful base by properly rendering bacon and sautéing garlic, which infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth and smoky undertones.

Gnocchi Cooking Technique

Learn the perfect timing for cooking gnocchi in broth to achieve tender pillows that are cooked through but still maintain their shape and don't become mushy.

Sauce Emulsification

Discover how to smoothly incorporate cream cheese into hot liquid and create a stable, lump-free sauce that coats every component evenly.

Layering Components

Understand the importance of adding chicken and bacon at the right stage to ensure they heat through properly while absorbing flavor from the sauce.

Final Cheese Integration

Perfect the technique of adding cheese off-heat for maximum meltiness and creating those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls that make this dish visually stunning.

Mastering the Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Gnocchi Selection: Use shelf-stable gnocchi for the best texture as it holds up better in creamy sauces than fresh refrigerated varieties, and avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.

Chicken Shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves significant prep time, or use leftover cooked chicken breast for an even faster meal.

Cream Cheese Success: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before adding to prevent lumps in your sauce, and cut into small cubes for faster melting.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bacon and shred the chicken up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly.

Flavor Variations: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables, or swap ranch seasoning for Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Storage Guidelines: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though the gnocchi may absorb some sauce and the texture will soften slightly when reheated.

Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon and Melted Cheddar Cheese

Name: Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon and Melted Cheddar Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Main Components:; 1 pound potato gnocchi, shelf-stable or refrigerated; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 8 ounces bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped; For the Creamy Sauce:; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 ounce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; For the Toppings:; 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Black pepper to taste; For Special Equipment:; Large deep skillet or sauté pan; Wooden spoon or silicone spatula; Measuring cups and spoons

The ultimate creamy crack chicken gnocchi featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi. This comfort food masterpiece combines the richness of cream cheese and heavy cream with the savory depth of ranch seasoning, creating an unforgettable one-pan meal that elevates classic comfort food to extraordinary heights perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or any time you crave the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and satisfying protein.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Main Components:

1 pound potato gnocchi, shelf-stable or refrigerated

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

8 ounces bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred

1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 ounce

3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Toppings:

1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Black pepper to taste

For Special Equipment:

Large deep skillet or sauté pan

Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Cook the bacon in a large deep skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then remove and chop into bite-sized pieces, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.

Add minced garlic to the bacon grease and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to float and soften, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cubed cream cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients.

Add the shredded chicken and half of the chopped bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated throughout.

Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, remaining bacon crumbles, and fresh parsley, then serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon and Melted Cheddar Cheese

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Crack Chicken Gnocchi Perfection

Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon and Melted Cheddar Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions