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- 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breast - 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) I love using these fresh and simple ingredients for Crack Chicken Gnocchi. The cooked chicken gives the dish its hearty base. I always use shredded chicken, as it blends well into the creamy sauce. The potato gnocchi adds a soft texture. It cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth brings depth to the dish. It keeps the flavor rich without being too salty. Cream cheese and cheddar create that oh-so-creamy sauce we all crave. Together, they melt into a delightful mix. Ranch seasoning adds a burst of flavor. I love the way it boosts the taste without extra steps. Minced garlic brings warmth and aroma to the dish. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic and chicken, enhancing the flavors. Frozen peas add a touch of sweetness and color. They warm up quickly in the skillet. Finally, I sprinkle black pepper for a bit of spice. Fresh parsley is optional but looks lovely as a garnish. It brightens the dish and adds freshness. With these ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that delights everyone. Each bite offers creamy goodness, making it a family favorite. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling low-sodium chicken broth in a large pot. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the broth is bubbling, add the potato gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi as per the package instructions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are done when they float to the surface. This means they are ready to enjoy! While the gnocchi cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells nice and turns golden. Then, add the cooked and shredded chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix. Stir this together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. Now, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture until both cheeses melt. This creates a smooth and creamy sauce. Next, carefully drain any extra broth from the gnocchi and transfer them into the skillet. Gently fold in the frozen peas. Season with freshly cracked black pepper. Let everything heat together for about one more minute until the peas are warm and tender. Enjoy the creamy goodness! To make a smooth cheese sauce, start with softened cream cheese. This helps it melt easily. Add it slowly to the warm skillet. Stir constantly to blend it with the chicken. The heat helps the cheese become creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it silky and rich. To know when gnocchi is fully cooked, watch for them to float. When they rise to the top, they are done. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. If you want to test one, just take it out and taste it. Adding herbs or spices boosts the taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme work great. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a kick. Mix in a bit of lemon zest for brightness. Experiment with different seasonings to find what you love best. Each adds a unique twist to your dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken can elevate the flavor of this dish significantly. Opt for freshly shredded chicken instead of pre-packaged for the best results. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to create a unique flavor profile. Just ensure they melt well for a creamy texture. Don’t Skip the Peas: Adding frozen peas not only enhances the nutrition of the dish but also provides a lovely pop of color. They add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Leftovers Make Great Lunches: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them for lunch throughout the week! {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken for other cooked proteins. Turkey works great in this dish. It adds a leaner taste and pairs well with the creamy sauce. Steak can also be a delicious choice. Just chop it into small pieces, and mix it in. Both options deliver a savory twist to your gnocchi. Want to go meatless? You can easily replace the chicken with plant-based proteins. Options like tofu or tempeh soak up flavors well. Try using chickpeas for a hearty texture and protein boost. This way, you keep the creamy goodness while making it vegetarian-friendly. Enhance the nutrition of your dish by adding more vegetables. Spinach or kale can bring color and nutrients. Just toss them in when you add the peas. You can also use bell peppers or carrots for a pop of sweetness. The more veggies, the healthier and tastier your Crack Chicken Gnocchi will be! To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. This will help keep the flavors fresh. When reheating, do it slowly. Use a stove or a microwave. If using a stove, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat over low heat, stirring often. If using a microwave, cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents the dish from drying out. In the fridge, Crack Chicken Gnocchi lasts about 3-4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. For best taste, try to eat it sooner rather than later. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. This ensures you enjoy the dish at its best. Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a creamy dish made with chicken and gnocchi. It has gained popularity for its rich taste and comfort factor. The dish combines tender potato gnocchi with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese for a delightful meal. Ranch seasoning adds a unique flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and main mixture separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them together in a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it creamy. This method saves time and keeps the flavors fresh. For sides, I recommend light salads or steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well. Roasted broccoli or green beans also complement the dish nicely. You can even add crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. These options create a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. This blog post covered a delightful Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe. We explored main ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and cheeses. I shared step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and fun variations. You can also learn storage info and answer common questions. In closing, this creamy dish is easy and fun to customize. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Delight

A rich and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, shredded chicken, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Once the broth is boiling, add the potato gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they’re done.
  • While the gnocchi cooks, heat the olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it's fragrant and golden.
  • Incorporate the cooked and shredded chicken into the skillet, then sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm thoroughly.
  • Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until both cheeses melt into a creamy, cohesive mixture.
  • Once the gnocchi is cooked, carefully drain any excess broth and transfer the gnocchi into the skillet with the chicken mixture.
  • Gently fold in the frozen peas and season the dish with freshly cracked black pepper. Allow everything to heat together for about another minute, until the peas are warmed through and tender.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to settle before serving.

Notes

Serve in cozy bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheddar for extra flavor.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, gnocchi