Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. I absolutely love how the gnocchi soaks up that luscious, rich sauce, and the tender poached chicken mixed with herb-infused creaminess is pure magic. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or something special for the family, this recipe hits the spot every time.

What makes this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe stand out is how quick, simple, and utterly satisfying it is. From the golden crispiness of sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce made silky smooth with light cheese and milk, you’ll find it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together easily. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe such a delicious, comforting dish could be so fuss-free!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe brings something special to the table—from the tender chicken to the sun-dried tomatoes adding that burst of deep flavor, and the aromatic blend of herbs creating that addictively good sauce. I always recommend picking sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra richness but dried works well too.

• Chicken breasts: Fresh and boneless for easy poaching and tender bites.
• Chicken stock: Low sodium lets you control the saltiness in the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a slightly tangy, sweet crunch when fried crispy.
• Shallot: Milder than onion, sautéed for gentle sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce subtly without overpowering.
• 2% milk: Keeps the sauce creamy but lighter than heavy cream.
• Lemon juice: Balances richness with a fresh brightness.
• Laughing Cow light cheese: Melts beautifully for silkiness—feel free to substitute with light cream cheese.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly to coat the gnocchi.
• Dried herbs & spices: Parsley, chives, onion powder, dill, and garlic powder add layers of savory flavor.
• Potato gnocchi: I use vacuum-packed for convenience; quick cooking ensures softness inside with slight chewiness on the outside.
• Cheddar cheese: Grated fresh for the best melting flavor—avoid pre-grated for best results.
• Olive oil spray: Keeps frying light without unnecessary oil.
• Salt & black pepper: Basic seasoning to taste.
• Fresh parsley or alternatives: For garnish and extra fresh herb flavor.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is—you can tweak it easily to suit what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Try different herb combos or swap the chicken for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

• Vegetarian Version: I swapped chicken for sautéed mushrooms and it was surprisingly hearty and delicious.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of chili flakes gives it a nice gentle heat that my family really enjoyed.
• Cheesy Upgrade: I once added mozzarella along with cheddar for an extra gooey finish that’s fantastic for cheese lovers.
• Herb Freshness: Fresh basil or thyme can be swapped in to brighten the flavors even more.

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken to Tender Perfection

Start by adding your chicken breasts to a saucepan and fully submerge them in about 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring the liquid up to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. I like to use the poaching stock later in the sauce—it’s packed with flavor! Once done, drain and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside while we prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Fry the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Shallots

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and spray a little olive oil. Toss in the diced sun-dried tomatoes and fry them until they turn golden and crispy—this step really intensifies their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. Remove them and set aside. In the same pan, add a touch more olive oil spray, toss in the finely diced shallots, and cook until soft and lightly golden. Throw in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds to infuse its fragrance—don’t let it burn!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Herb Sauce

Add the remaining chicken stock, milk, and lemon juice to the pan, along with the dried parsley, chives, onion powder, dill, and garlic powder. Stir everything together, then add the Laughing Cow cheese and whisk until it melts smoothly into the sauce with no lumps. Mix the cornstarch with a couple tablespoons of water and stir this into the pan to help thicken your sauce. Keep it on medium heat and you’ll notice it start to bubble and thicken beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce

Gently add in the sliced chicken and uncooked gnocchi straight into your sauce. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to medium and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will puff up and become tender, soaking in all that creamy goodness. Keep an eye on the sauce – if it’s not thickening, crank the heat just a bit to activate the cornstarch’s magic. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Broil

Transfer this gorgeous mixture to an oven-safe dish and generously sprinkle the fresh grated cheddar on top. Pop it under the grill (broil) for just a couple minutes until the cheese melts and gets those little golden brown spots that make it irresistible. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling the crispy sun-dried tomatoes and some fresh chopped parsley or your preferred fresh herbs. This final touch adds color, freshness, and a lovely flavor contrast. Serve it hot and get ready for some serious compliments!

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh parsley because it adds a bright pop and freshness to cut through the richness. Sometimes I swap in chopped spring onions or chives for a mild oniony bite. Crispy sun-dried tomatoes are my secret weapon—they bring that amazing umami crunch every time.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty and creamy, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors. Garlic roasted broccoli or steamed green beans also work beautifully for a simple, healthy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with tiny herb sprigs. It’s a fun way to make it feel fancy at home. You can also swirl some pesto on the plate before adding the creamy gnocchi for a restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it rests, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen it up and keep it creamy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. I recommend freezing before adding the cheese topping, then thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating and finishing with cheese under the broiler.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat with a splash of liquid to prevent sticking and restore that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can make gnocchi rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe quickly became a go-to comfort food for me and my family. It’s one of those dishes that tastes much fancier than it feels to make. If you want a satisfying, creamy meal that’s easy but impressive, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this a try. I know you’ll love how the tender chicken, perfectly cooked gnocchi, and silky sauce come together—it’s genuinely one of my favorite weeknight wins!

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