Ingredients
Main Ingredients
-
2 chicken breasts, diced
-
3 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
-
½ cup milk
-
½ tablespoon lemon juice
-
175g cream cheese (light or full-fat)
-
60g cheddar cheese, shredded
-
75g smoked bacon, diced
-
500g potato gnocchi (dry or shelf-stable)
-
1 shallot, finely chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Seasoning Mix (Homemade Ranch Style)
-
1 teaspoon dried parsley
-
½ teaspoon dried dill
-
1 teaspoon chives
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
-
Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
-
In a large skillet or pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil.
-
Add diced chicken breast and cook over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
-
Remove and set aside.
2. Crisp the Bacon
-
In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy.
-
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Build the Cream Sauce
-
Sauté the shallot and garlic in the bacon drippings for 1–2 minutes.
-
Add chicken broth, milk, lemon juice, and cream cheese.
-
Whisk until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
-
Stir in the seasoning mix and cornstarch slurry; cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
4. Add Chicken and Gnocchi
-
Return the chicken to the pan.
-
Stir in the gnocchi and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi are soft and sauce has thickened.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon
-
Sprinkle cheddar cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
-
Stir in crispy bacon, saving some for garnish.
6. Serve and Garnish
-
Spoon into bowls, top with extra bacon and parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
-
Make Ahead: Cook the sauce and chicken earlier in the day. Add the gnocchi and reheat just before serving.
-
Storage: Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
-
Don’t Freeze: Dairy sauces can separate when thawed.
-
Optional Add-ins:
-
Spinach or peas for color and nutrients
-
Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
-
Mozzarella for extra cheesiness
-
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes