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For Crack Chicken Gnocchi, you will need: - 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded - 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful dish, perfect for comfort food lovers. The chicken, cheese, and ranch seasoning blend well to make each bite rich and satisfying. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some brands I trust: - Chicken: Look for organic or free-range chicken for better flavor. - Gnocchi: De Cecco is my go-to for potato gnocchi. It holds its shape well. - Cream Cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese is creamy and smooth. - Cheddar Cheese: Tillamook offers a sharp cheddar that melts beautifully. - Ranch Seasoning: Hidden Valley Ranch is classic and flavorful. These brands help ensure that your Crack Chicken Gnocchi tastes fantastic. They add depth and richness to the dish. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Chicken: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. - Gnocchi: Cauliflower gnocchi is a great low-carb option. - Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese works well for dairy-free diets. - Cheddar Cheese: Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor for vegans. - Ranch Seasoning: Make your own mix with dried herbs and spices. These substitutes keep the essence of the dish while catering to different diets. Enjoy making this meal your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by bringing 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. 2. Next, add 1 package of potato gnocchi to the boiling broth. Cook them for 2-3 minutes or until they float. 3. While the gnocchi cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 4. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until it smells nice. 5. Now, stir in 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken along with 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix. Heat this for 2-3 minutes. 6. Lower the heat, then add 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything melts together. 7. Once the gnocchi are done, drain any extra broth and add the gnocchi to the chicken mixture. 8. Gently fold in 1 cup of frozen peas and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Heat for another minute. 9. After that, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. - Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken works great! - Chop the garlic and shred the chicken the night before. This speeds up cooking. - Cook the gnocchi while you prepare the chicken mixture. This saves time. - Use frozen peas directly from the bag. They thaw quickly in the warm dish. - Avoid boiling the gnocchi too long. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. - Don’t skip draining excess broth before adding the gnocchi. Too much liquid makes it soupy. - Stir gently when mixing in the gnocchi to keep them whole. - Ensure the cream cheese is well-softened. Cold cream cheese does not mix well. To cook gnocchi well, use plenty of boiling water. This helps them float. Follow package instructions for cooking times. Usually, it takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they rise to the top, they are ready. Drain them gently to avoid breaking. To boost the taste, add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. For extra creaminess, mix in more cream cheese or cheddar. You can also try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more depth. Store any leftover Crack Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave for best results. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It saves time and adds great flavor! Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist! Add Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat before serving! {{image_2}} You can make Crack Chicken Gnocchi lighter without losing flavor. Use low-fat cream cheese to cut calories. Swap regular cheese for low-fat cheddar. You can also replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. If you want, use whole wheat gnocchi. This adds fiber and keeps it filling. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken. Use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich flavor. For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients. Seasonal ingredients can boost flavor and nutrition. In fall, add roasted butternut squash for sweetness. In spring, toss in fresh spinach or asparagus for brightness. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms and garlic for earthiness. These ingredients enhance the dish and make it more colorful. To keep your Crack Chicken Gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature first. This step helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy gnocchi. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. I recommend using a skillet for the best flavor. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it creamy. Stir the gnocchi until heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the taste and texture intact. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a rush. Freezing Crack Chicken Gnocchi is simple and smart. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion out servings into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating method above. Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and creamy dish. It combines tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, and creamy cheese. I use ranch seasoning to add a burst of flavor. This dish is warm and comforting, perfect for any day. Yes, you can use other meats. Cooked turkey or shredded pork works well. You can even use cooked sausage for a twist. Just make sure the meat is chopped or shredded for easy mixing. Crack Chicken Gnocchi lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavors. The gnocchi is fun to eat, and the dish is easy to chew. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to young eaters. Yes, you can make it ahead. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Reheat it gently, adding a little broth if needed for creaminess. In this guide, I covered everything you need for Crack Chicken Gnocchi, from ingredients to storage. You learned about the best brands, helpful cooking steps, and tasty variations. I shared tips to enhance flavors and ways to store extras. This dish is both fun to make and eat. Remember, don't hesitate to explore different ingredients and variations. Enjoy making this delightful meal with confidence. Your kitchen adventures await!

Crack Chicken Gnocchi

A creamy and flavorful chicken gnocchi dish that combines tender chicken, gnocchi, and a rich cheese sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 package potato gnocchi (16 oz)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • optional Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Add the potato gnocchi to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top.
  • While the gnocchi is cooking, heat olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cooked and shredded chicken along with the ranch seasoning mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through, stirring occasionally.
  • Lower the heat, add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and creamy.
  • Once the gnocchi is cooked, carefully drain any excess broth and add the gnocchi to the skillet with the chicken mixture.
  • Gently fold in the frozen peas and season with cracked black pepper. Heat everything together for an additional minute until the peas are tender.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve in bowls and top with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle additional cheddar on top before serving!
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, gnocchi