Pin it
I stumbled upon this magical combination in my kitchen last week and I can't stop making it. My creamy chicken gnocchi with crispy bacon bits has become our new family obsession. Picture this: tender chicken fluffy potato gnocchi all wrapped in the most incredible cheesy sauce. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
Pin it
What Makes This So Special
There's something about combining juicy chicken with pillowy soft gnocchi that just works. My kids literally fight over the last bits of bacon sprinkled on top. Every time I serve this my husband gives me that look like I'm some sort of kitchen genius. The flavors come together so beautifully you'd think it took hours to make.
Your Shopping List
- Chicken: Get yourself 1½ pounds of chicken cut into nice bite sized pieces. I sometimes use leftover roasted chicken too.
- Gnocchi: One pound of those lovely potato dumplings. The vacuum packed ones from my local store work perfectly.
- Bacon: 6 slices crispy and chopped. Save those drippings they're liquid gold!
- Laughing Cow Cheese: 4 wedges of the creamy kind. Trust me on this one.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grab a block and grate it fresh. One cup should do it.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced up nice and fine.
- Onion: One small one diced tiny.
- Milk: 1½ cups whole milk makes it extra creamy.
- Lemon: Just one for a little brightness.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped about 2 tablespoons.
- Salt & Pepper: Season as you go!
Let's Cook Together
- First Things First
- Season those chicken pieces really well and cook them until they're golden brown. Set them aside they'll join the party later.
- Build the Base
- In that same pan with all those yummy chicken bits add your bacon drippings onions and garlic. The smell is absolutely amazing!
- Make it Creamy
- Now comes the magic those Laughing Cow wedges go in with milk. Keep stirring until it's smooth then add your cheddar. Watch it transform!
- Bring it Together
- Drop those gnocchi right into the sauce let them cook until tender then welcome back your chicken. A squeeze of lemon and you're done!
Pin it
How This Recipe Was Born
This dish came to life one lazy Sunday when I was craving something cozy but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had some leftover chicken gnocchi in the pantry and bacon because well who doesn't always have bacon? The combination turned out to be pure kitchen magic.
The Secret's in the Sauce
My sauce discovery came from trying to make something ultra creamy without heavy cream. Those little Laughing Cow cheese wedges melt like a dream and the sharp cheddar adds such a wonderful depth. It's rich but not heavy exactly what comfort food should be.
All About That Bacon
Let's talk about the bacon for a minute. It's not just a topping it's part of the soul of this dish. I cook it until it's super crispy then save some for sprinkling on top. Those smoky bits make every bite absolutely incredible. Never skip the bacon!
The Gnocchi Method
Here's a little trick I learned through trial and error. Cook those gnocchi right in the sauce not in separate water. They release a bit of starch that makes the sauce even more velvety and they soak up all that amazing flavor. It's a game changer.
Pin it
A Touch of Brightness
Don't skip that squeeze of lemon at the end. I used to make this without it but that little hit of citrus cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop. My daughter actually noticed the difference the first time I added it.
Make It Your Way
Some nights I use rotisserie chicken when I'm really short on time. Sometimes I cook chicken breasts from scratch. Both work beautifully just remember if you're using pre seasoned chicken like rotisserie go easy on the salt at first.
Time Saving Tips
I can get this on the table in under 30 minutes if I prep smart. I chop everything before I start cooking grate my cheese and have all my ingredients lined up. Once you start cooking this dish moves fast perfect for those busy weeknights.
Getting the Sauce Just Right
Sometimes my sauce gets a little thick especially if I let it sit. No worries just add a splash more milk and give it a gentle stir. If it's too thin let it bubble away for a few extra minutes. You'll know it's perfect when it coats the back of your spoon.
Pin it
What to Serve With It
In my house we love this with a simple green salad on the side. The freshness balances out all that creamy goodness perfectly. Sometimes I'll throw together some garlic bread too because that sauce is too good not to soak up every last bit.
Saving It For Later
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for three days. When you reheat just add a splash of milk and warm it slowly on the stove. The microwave works in a pinch but the stovetop method keeps everything creamy and delicious.
Freezer Tips
While you can freeze this dish the gnocchi might get a bit softer when thawed. If you know you'll have extras freeze the sauce and chicken separately then make fresh gnocchi when you're ready to serve. It's worth the extra step.
Making It Lighter
Some nights I make this a bit lighter using turkey bacon and low fat milk. It's still creamy and delicious just a little less indulgent. You can even sneak in some spinach or peas nobody will mind trust me.
Pin it
Quality Matters
Use the best gnocchi you can find those vacuum sealed ones from the pasta aisle are my go to. Fresh garlic not powder makes such a difference. And please grate your own cheese pre shredded just doesn't melt the same way.
Spice It Up
Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or stir in some sautéed mushrooms. My friend Lisa adds spinach to hers and my neighbor swears by adding sun dried tomatoes. Make it your own that's what cooking is all about.
The Ultimate Crowd Pleaser
Every time I make this for guests they beg for the recipe. There's something about that combination of tender chicken pillowy gnocchi and crispy bacon that just makes people happy. It's become my go to for casual dinner parties.
Final Kitchen Notes
This dish has become such a staple in my kitchen. It's comfort food at its finest combining simple ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try and I promise it'll earn a spot in your regular rotation too.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use freshly grated cheese?
Fresh grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
- → Can I reuse the poaching liquid?
Yes, the chicken poaching liquid adds extra flavor to the sauce. Use it as part of the stock called for in the recipe.
- → Why must the sauce bubble?
Bringing the sauce to a bubble activates the cornstarch and ensures proper thickening for the right consistency.
- → Can I use different cheese?
While Laughing Cow and cheddar are specified, other melting cheeses can work. Ensure they're full-flavor varieties for best results.
- → Why poach the chicken?
Poaching keeps the chicken tender and moist while creating flavorful stock that can be used in the sauce.
Conclusion
A delectable one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon for added texture and flavor.