Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich, comforting skillet dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with shredded chicken, bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and a velvety cheese sauce. It smells of warm cheddar and bacon, and the sauce clings to each gnocchi for a creamy, satisfying bite. If you like creamy, tangy chicken dishes, you might also enjoy this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole for another weeknight option.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories per serving: 760 kcal
• Protein: 56 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg

Why Make This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

This dish cooks fast and delivers big flavor. The cream cheese and cheddar make a silky sauce that coats every gnocchi, while bacon adds crisp, smoky contrast. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels indulgent but is easy to pull together on a busy night. The texture mix—soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and crunchy bacon—makes every bite interesting.

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

You’ll gently melt the cream cheese with broth and ranch mix, stir in cheddar, then fold in gnocchi, chicken, bacon, and green onions. The sauce comes together on the stove in about 15–20 minutes. Use cooked chicken and pre-cooked bacon to keep this quick.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 package gnocchi
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cream cheese (8 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. Shred the cooked chicken and crumble the bacon. Chop the green onions and measure cheese and broth.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and nestle them in the skillet so they begin to soften.

Step 3: Cooking

Stir the skillet mixture over medium heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to mix until it melts into the sauce and becomes creamy.

Step 4: Finishing

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently fold to coat with sauce. Fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish with extra chopped green onions, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, or a few bacon crumbles for color and texture. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to cut through the richness. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with a lemony arugula salad.

How to Store Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

• Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce creamy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

• Use pre-cooked chicken and bacon to keep prep short. Rotisserie chicken works great.
• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts quickly and evenly.
• Don’t over-stir the gnocchi; fold gently to avoid breaking them.
• If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken broth at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Taste before adding salt; the bacon, cheddar, and ranch mix add saltiness already.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt (stir in off heat to prevent curdling).

Delicious Variations

• Spinach & Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms and a few handfuls of fresh spinach before adding the chicken mixture.
• Buffalo Style: Stir in 1/3 cup hot sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a tangy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Add peas or roasted red peppers for color and sweetness.
• Cheesy Herb: Swap part of the cheddar for mozzarella and add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
• Low-Carb: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or cooked cauliflower florets.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen gnocchi?
  Yes. Cook frozen gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and add to the sauce the same way. Some frozen gnocchi may take a minute longer to cook.

• Can I make this dairy-free?
  You can use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives. Flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it will still be creamy.

• What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
  Make a quick mix: 1 teaspoon each dried parsley and garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
  Yes. Store cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a little broth to refresh the sauce.

• How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
  Cook gnocchi just until they float and are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain well and add to the sauce immediately. Avoid overcooking in the sauce.

• Can I make this ahead for a potluck?
  You can prepare the sauce and components ahead, refrigerate separately, and assemble/heat before serving. Avoid combining gnocchi with the sauce too long ahead of time to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a fast, comforting meal with creamy texture, smoky bacon, and a tangy ranch lift—perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. If you want a different take or another inspiration, check out this detailed recipe guide from Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi | Slimming Eats Recipe for more ideas. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients turn into a rich, satisfying dinner.