This is shredded chicken in a cheddar and ranch cream sauce, served over gnocchi. The chicken is browned and shredded, then returned to a pan of simmering broth melted with cream cheese, cheddar and ranch dressing. Gnocchi cooked separately and a cup of frozen peas go in last.
Save this recipe for later:
The recipe serves 6 and takes 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 20 of cooking. The chicken cooks for 6 to 7 minutes on each side.
What Goes in the Pan
Full amounts are on the recipe card at the bottom.
- Chicken (1 pound boneless, skinless breasts): seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and paprika (1 teaspoon each), plus salt and pepper, then browned in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): the liquid that the cream cheese melts into.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): it makes the sauce thick and creamy.
- Cheddar (1 cup, shredded) and ranch dressing (1 cup): the cheddar gives a cheesy flavor and the ranch adds tang.
- Gnocchi (1 pound): boiled according to the package and folded in at the end. It soaks up the sauce.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): they add color and need only 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Green onions (2, sliced): a fresh garnish for the top.
Cooking Notes
Chop the green onions and have the cheeses measured before the chicken goes in, because the sauce comes together fast.
Cook the chicken over medium heat until it is golden brown and cooked through, then lift it out and shred it with two forks. In the same skillet, bring the broth to a gentle simmer and stir in the cream cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce. Return the chicken to the pan with the cheddar and ranch and stir until creamy. Drain the gnocchi, fold it in gently, add the peas and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot.
- Check the chicken. A meat thermometer shows when it has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Change the cheese. Mozzarella gives a gooier texture and pepper jack adds heat.
- Adjust the seasoning. Red pepper flakes add heat, and dried oregano or basil bring a more herbal flavor.
Ways to Change It
- Mushrooms or spinach: stir in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach. They add an earthy note against the creamy sauce.
- Turkey or tofu: either can replace the chicken for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Lighter sauce: use Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese and low-fat ranch dressing.
- Herbs and spices: fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish, and cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning gives it a different flavor.
What to Serve With It
A side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, with a tangy vinaigrette, cuts through the creamy sauce. Roasted broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts also work, since their caramelized edges suit the sauce. For a drink, sparkling water with lemon or lime clears the palate between bites.
Time and Nutrition
Prep takes 10 minutes and cooking takes 20, so dinner is ready in 30 minutes. One serving has 450 calories, 30 grams of fat (15 grams saturated), 20 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 30 grams of protein and 800 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can I use fresh gnocchi?
Yes. Adjust the cooking time to match the package, since fresh gnocchi usually cooks faster.
How can this dish be made dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream in place of the cream cheese, and a dairy-free ranch dressing to keep the tang.
What can replace the ranch dressing?
A homemade mix of mayonnaise, sour cream and herbs such as dill and parsley. A vinaigrette also works, though it gives a different flavor.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Classic Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: A Must-Try Dish!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and shred the chicken using two forks.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet along with the cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
In a separate pot, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and add to the creamy chicken mixture.
Gently fold in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use low-fat ranch dressing.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 calories |
| Sugar Content | 2g |
| Sodium Content | 800mg |
| Fat Content | 30g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 15g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 10g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 20g |
| Fiber Content | 2g |
| Protein Content | 30g |
| Cholesterol Content | 100mg |