ULTIMATE CRACK CHICKEN GNOCCHI RECIPE

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Author: Emaa Wilson
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A creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, showcasing the comforting and indulgent Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe in a rustic ceramic bowl.
Creamy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible, crack chicken gnocchi is the comfort food dream that will transform your weeknight dinner from mundane to magical. Picture tender potato gnocchi swimming in a rich, velvety sauce that combines the addictive flavors of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and succulent shredded chicken – a combination so delicious, you’ll understand exactly why it’s called “crack” chicken. Get ready to dive into a recipe that’s not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.

What Makes This Crack Chicken Gnocchi So Special?

A creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, showcasing the comforting and indulgent nature of this popular crack chicken-inspired recipe. This isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s a game-changing recipe that combines comfort, convenience, and mind-blowing flavor in one skillet. The magic happens when classic gnocchi meets the legendary crack chicken concept, creating a dish that’s simultaneously creamy, hearty, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crack Chicken Base

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Gnocchi and Additional Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Crack Chicken Base

  1. In a large skillet, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream
  2. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until smooth and fully incorporated
  3. Add shredded chicken and stir to coat evenly

Cooking the Gnocchi

  1. Add gnocchi directly to the skillet with the chicken mixture
  2. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender
  3. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth

Final Touches

  1. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top
  3. Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes
  4. Garnish with chopped green onions

Pro Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Gnocchi

  • Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep
  • For extra creaminess, add an additional 2 oz of cream cheese
  • Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for variety
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken

Storage and Reheating Recommendations

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. The microwave or stovetop both work well for reheating.

Nutritional Considerations

This dish is high in protein and calories, making it a hearty meal. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.

How long can I store the Crack Chicken Gnocchi leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What are some pro tips for making the perfect Crack Chicken Gnocchi?

Some pro tips include using store-bought rotisserie chicken for quicker prep, adding extra cream cheese for more creaminess, substituting spinach with kale or arugula, and letting the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities?

To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.

A creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, showcasing the comforting and indulgent Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe in a rustic ceramic bowl.

Ultimate Crack Chicken Gnocchi

A creamy, indulgent one-skillet dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with shredded chicken in a rich ranch-seasoned sauce. This irresistible comfort food blends cream cheese, chicken, and mozzarella into a meal so addictive, it’s aptly named ‘crack’ chicken.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream
  2. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until smooth and fully incorporated
  3. Add shredded chicken and stir to coat evenly
  4. Add gnocchi directly to the skillet with the chicken mixture
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender
  6. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top
  9. Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes
  10. Garnish with chopped green onions
  11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

Pro tips: Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. For extra creaminess, add 2 oz more cream cheese. Can substitute spinach with kale or arugula. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce mozzarella. Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken alternative.

Emaa Wilson

Emma is a passionate home cook and recipe developer who specializes in bridging traditional family recipes with modern techniques. Growing up learning from her sister's expertise, she focuses on creating approachable dishes that celebrate both heritage and innovation. Alongside her cooking partner Olivia, Emily develops recipes that emphasize the joy of collaborative cooking and the power of shared meals to bring people together.

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