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Bowl of creamy crack chicken gnocchi with bacon and herbs in a skillet — rich one-pot comfort food recipe.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate one-pot comfort food — juicy chicken, soft gnocchi, smoky bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cream sauce come together for a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s indulgent yet easy enough for weeknights, delivering all the cozy flavors you crave with minimal cleanup.

 

Perfect for busy families or anyone who loves hearty comfort dinners, this dish combines bacon, cheese, ranch seasoning, and pillowy potato gnocchi to create a crave-worthy, creamy masterpiece.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. In a large skillet or pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil.

  2. Add diced chicken breast and cook over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.

  3. Remove and set aside.

2. Crisp the Bacon

  1. In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy.

  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

3. Build the Cream Sauce

  1. Sauté the shallot and garlic in the bacon drippings for 1–2 minutes.

  2. Add chicken broth, milk, lemon juice, and cream cheese.

  3. Whisk until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.

  4. Stir in the seasoning mix and cornstarch slurry; cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

4. Add Chicken and Gnocchi

  1. Return the chicken to the pan.

  2. 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

  1. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

  2. 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

  • Author: chef agh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes