Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and soft gnocchi tossed in a rich cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts Use the freshest chicken for best results.
- 1 pound gnocchi Consider homemade gnocchi for better texture.
- 1 package cream cheese Make sure it is softened before use.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Various cheese options can be experimented with.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning Adds an unexpected layer of flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth Use more if the sauce is too thick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- Salt to taste Season as desired.
- Fresh parsley for garnish To enhance presentation.
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and place them in the skillet. Cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest for 5 minutes.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and ranch seasoning, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom, cooking for about 3 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt and form a creamy texture, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet, simmering for another 3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until they float on top.
- Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and add them to the creamy sauce, gently stirring to coat all the gnocchi and chicken for about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for maximum tenderness: Always slice the chicken against the grain. This recipe allows substitutions like using turkey instead of chicken or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter twist. For a spicy kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.