If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate, then you have to try this Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe. This creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting meal combines tender poached chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, crispy smoky bacon, and a luscious sauce infused with garlic and herbs. Each spoonful melts in your mouth with layers of rich flavors and inviting textures. The magic of Crack Chicken Gnocchi lies in its simplicity—yet it delivers a complex taste that you’ll find absolutely addictive. Whether it’s a family dinner or a heartfelt meal with friends, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy every craving.

Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your Crack Chicken Gnocchi. From the smoky bacon to the creamy cheese and the soft gnocchi, each component plays an essential role in making this dish truly irresistible.

Chicken breasts (2 small, approx 360g/12.7oz): Poached to tender perfection, they provide the hearty protein base.
Chicken stock (3.5 cups/840ml, low sodium): Adds depth and richness to the sauce without overpowering it.
Lean smoked back bacon (75g/2.5oz, diced): Gives a crisp, smoky contrast that elevates every bite.
Shallot (1, finely diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, savory punch.
2% Milk (½ cup/120ml): Creates a creamy texture for the sauce without heaviness.
Lemon juice (½ tablespoon): Balances richness with a bright, refreshing tang.
Laughing Cow light cheese (175g) or light cream cheese: Melts smoothly to make the sauce incredibly luscious.
Cornstarch (½ tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle herbal notes that lift the overall flavor.
Dried chives (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild oniony aroma.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the savory base.
Dried dill (½ teaspoon): Adds a unique, fresh crunch in flavor.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the rich garlic essence in the sauce.
Potato gnocchi (500g/17.5oz, dry vacuum-packed): Soft, pillowy bites that soak up sauce beautifully.
Cheddar cheese (60g/2.2oz, freshly grated): Melts into a golden top, adding sharpness and texture.
Olive oil spray: Keeps frying light and crisp without extra fat.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
Fresh chopped parsley (or spring onions/chives): Brightens the final dish with a fresh, colorful touch.

How to Make Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Start by gently cooking your chicken breasts in a saucepan filled with 2 cups (480ml) of chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Removing it from the liquid and letting it cool slightly before slicing it ensures tender, juicy pieces that melt easily into the creamy sauce. And a little secret: you can save the poaching stock to enrich your sauce, as long as you have the right amount.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Next, spray a non-stick frying pan with olive oil and cook the diced smoked bacon until it turns a lovely golden crisp. The smoky crunch you’ll get from this bacon is pure magic, providing bursts of flavor and texture that contrast beautifully with the softness of the gnocchi. Set the cooked bacon aside—you’ll sprinkle it over as a finishing touch later.

Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil spray and sauté the shallots until they’re softened and lightly golden. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, infusing the oil with fragrant warmth. These aromatics are the heart of the sauce, layering in subtle sweetness and that irresistible garlicky note.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the remaining 1.5 cups (360ml) of chicken stock, milk, lemon juice, and all the dried herbs and seasonings. Add the Laughing Cow cheese and whisk until the cheese melts completely and the sauce looks silky smooth with no lumps. To thicken the sauce evenly, stir in cornstarch mixed with a few tablespoons of water. This step is where your sauce truly comes alive, turning thick and luscious, ready to coat every gnocchi perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi with Chicken

Now, add the sliced chicken and uncooked gnocchi to your bubbling sauce. Bring everything back up to a boil, then simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the gnocchi are tender and floating, and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency. If the sauce isn’t thickening, gently increase the heat—patience at this stage creates that velvety finish you want.

Step 6: Broil with Cheese and Finish

Transfer the gnocchi mixture to an ovenproof dish, then scatter the freshly grated cheddar on top. Pop it under the grill (broiler) for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a beautiful golden crust. Finally, sprinkle the crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley (or spring onions/chives) over the top. This finishing touch introduces a fresh pop of flavor and a delightful textural contrast that makes the dish irresistible.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and brightness that complements the richness of the sauce. If you want a little twist, fresh chives or spring onions also work wonderfully to bring a mild oniony lift that cuts through the creaminess. Don’t skip the crispy bacon topping—it’s what gives the dish that irresistible “crack” factor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Side Dishes

Crack Chicken Gnocchi is quite rich, so pairing it with lighter sides works best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast, while steamed green beans or sautéed spinach add a healthy touch of greenery and balance. For a mood-lifting crunch, consider roasted Brussels sprouts or seasonal vegetables with a little olive oil and garlic.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the gnocchi in individual ramekins and garnish each with a swirl of fresh herbs and a small pile of crispy bacon. You can also layer it into a casserole dish sprinkled with extra cheddar and herbs, serving family-style for an inviting, shareable experience. For a fun twist, try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms before baking, adding extra depth to this already flavorful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Crack Chicken Gnocchi will keep well for 2 to 3 days. This makes a perfect ready-made lunch or a quick dinner for busy evenings when you want comfort food with minimal effort.

Freezing

If you want to save Crack Chicken Gnocchi for longer, freezing is an option but with a few precautions. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, ideally without the crispy topping. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the gnocchi, but the rich flavors will still shine when reheated properly.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or stock to loosen it up. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute or so to heat evenly and avoid drying out the gnocchi. For that crispy cheese finish, sprinkle a little grated cheddar on top and briefly broil or microwave until bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for Crack Chicken Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Just thaw the chicken completely before poaching. Frozen chicken might release more water, so keep an eye on your stock and cooking times to ensure the final sauce isn’t too thin.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can try substituting the Laughing Cow cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives or cashew cream. The texture and flavor might shift a bit, but the dish can still be a creamy, comforting delight.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce in advance and store it separately from the gnocchi and chicken. When ready to serve, combine everything and cook the gnocchi together in the sauce for the full flavor and perfect texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have potato gnocchi?

If gnocchi isn’t available, small pasta shapes like orecchiette or mini shells can work as a substitute, though the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi is hard to beat in this dish.

How spicy is Crack Chicken Gnocchi?

This recipe isn’t spicy at all—it centers on creamy, savory, and herbaceous flavors. However, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to give it a kick!

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken Gnocchi is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again because it wraps comfort, freshness, and deliciousness all into one bowl. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when you want to wow your guests with no fuss. I can’t recommend making this delightful recipe enough—once you try it, your weeknight dinner routine will never be the same. Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love all over again with Crack Chicken Gnocchi!

Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender poached chicken, golden crispy bacon, and soft potato gnocchi all simmered in a flavorful herbed sauce made with low-fat dairy and simmered to perfection. Topped with melted sharp cheddar and fresh parsley, this recipe is a delicious, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors.

Instructions

Poach the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover fully with 2 cups (480ml) of chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Drain the chicken, allow it to cool slightly, then slice into pieces. Reserve poaching liquid if desired, making sure to have 360ml for the sauce.
Cook the bacon: Spray a non-stick frying pan with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and fry until golden and crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté shallot and garlic: In the same pan, spray a little more olive oil spray. Add the finely diced shallot and fry until lightly golden and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to infuse flavor, then remove from heat.
Prepare the sauce: Add the remaining 1.5 cups (360ml) of chicken stock, milk, lemon juice, dried parsley, dried chives, onion powder, dried dill, garlic powder, and Laughing Cow light cheese into the pan with the shallots and garlic. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and no lumps remain.
Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce while stirring to combine and thicken.
Simmer chicken and gnocchi: Add the sliced poached chicken and uncooked potato gnocchi to the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is creamy and thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Grill with cheddar: Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish, top evenly with grated cheddar cheese, and place under the grill (broiler) for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle the crispy cooked bacon and fresh chopped parsley (or spring onions or chives) over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use low sodium chicken stock to control salt content.
Do not use pre-grated cheese as it may not melt smoothly.
For a richer sauce, substitute light cream cheese if Laughing Cow is unavailable.
If the sauce does not thicken, increase heat slightly while stirring.
The poaching stock can be reused in the sauce but ensure the total stock amount equals 360ml.
Fresh herbs can be substituted based on availability and preference.
Gnocchi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Poaching, frying, simmering, grilling (broiling)
Cuisine: American