Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Oh, I just have to tell you about this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe that quickly became my go-to comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with little bursts of sunshine thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes. I absolutely love how the gnocchi soaks up that luscious sauce — it’s like cozy heaven in every bite.

You’ll find that this recipe works perfectly for easy weeknight dinners or whenever you need something that feels special without too much fuss. When I first tried this, my family went crazy, and honestly, I’ve made it more times than I can count because it’s just that good and forgiving!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in nailing this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. Each element brings something unique, from the tender chicken to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes that elevate every forkful.

• Chicken breasts: Small and boneless for quick poaching and easy slicing.
• Chicken stock: Use low sodium to control saltiness in the sauce.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Diced small to spread bursts of flavor without overpowering.
• Shallot: Adds a delicate sweetness that mellows beautifully when cooked.
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves bring that classic savory depth.
• 2% milk: Keeps the sauce creamy but not heavy.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and balances richness.
• Laughing Cow light cheese: Makes the sauce silky smooth; can swap for light cream cheese if preferred.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
• Dried parsley, chives, onion powder, dill, and garlic powder: These herbs and spices add nuanced layers of flavor without extra fuss.
• Potato gnocchi: I like dry vacuum-packed gnocchi for a perfect texture that holds up well in saucy dishes.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated (never pre-grated!) for the melty topping that adds a golden finish.
• Olive oil spray: For sautéing without excess fat.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
• Fresh parsley or spring onions: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe to suit different moods and seasons. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s the beauty of this dish!

• Veggie Boost: Sometimes I add spinach or mushrooms during the last minutes of cooking for an extra dose of greens and earthiness.
• Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of red chili flakes wakes up the creaminess with some heat — my family enjoys this version especially on cooler nights.
• Cheese Swap: Trying different cheeses like gruyere or gouda can bring subtle changes in flavor; I like using Red Leicester for a richer taste and beautiful color.
• Lighten It Up: For a lower-fat version, swap the cheddar topping for a bit of parmesan and skip the lemon juice if you prefer milder acidity.

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken Gently

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a saucepan, submerged in 2 cups of low sodium chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Avoid boiling rapidly to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Once done, drain the chicken and let it cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: if you want extra flavor in your sauce, save the poaching stock and just add more stock to make up the amount needed for the recipe.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

While the chicken is cooking, spray a non-stick frying pan with olive oil and heat over medium-high. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and fry them until they’re golden and slightly crisp — this brings out a lovely concentrated flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce later. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same pan, spray a little more olive oil and sauté the finely diced shallot until it’s softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma, making sure not to burn it. Now pour in the remaining 1.5 cups of chicken stock, the milk, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the dried parsley, chives, onion powder, dill, and garlic powder, then whisk in the laughing cow light cheese until the mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce & Add Gnocchi

Mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into your sauce. This is key to getting that signature creamy thickness without heaviness. Next, add the sliced poached chicken and uncooked gnocchi directly into the pan. Bring everything up to a boil, then let it simmer gently on medium heat for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will cook through and float when done, and the sauce will thicken perfectly. If you notice the sauce isn’t thickening, your heat may be too low — bump it up a touch and stir constantly to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Cheddar and Garnish

Transfer everything to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle generously with freshly grated cheddar, and place under the grill (broiler) for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden. Don’t walk away here — it can brown quickly! Finally, top with the crispy sun-dried tomatoes you set aside and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or spring onions. Serve immediately, and prepare to wow everyone at your table.

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with plenty of fresh parsley or spring onions — their brightness cuts through the richness really well. If you want a bit of zing, adding a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of extra lemon juice right before serving refreshes all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is so rich and filling, I like to pair it with something fresh like a simple green salad or steamed green beans tossed with garlic and lemon. Roasted broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad also balances out the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this recipe in mini cast-iron skillets right at the table — it keeps everything warm and feels extra cozy. You can sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top before the final grill for a subtle smoky flair that’s always a crowd-pleaser too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or stock to loosen it back up. This little step helps keep that creamy texture instead of it drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, but I recommend freezing before adding the cheddar topping and grilling. Freeze the creamy mixture in a sealed container, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the cheese and grill when reheating—that keeps the cheesy layer fresh and melty.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or stock, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, the microwave works fine if you do it in short bursts and stir in between. Add fresh herbs after reheating for that pop of freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that’s both indulgent and easy to make — a rare combo! I hope when you try it, it brings you as much joy and comfort as it’s brought me and mine. It’s a fantastic one to have in your dinner rotation, especially when you want to impress without stress. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and enjoy making something truly delicious for yourself and your loved ones!

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