Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken (breast or thigh), bite-size pieces
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (for chicken)
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2–3 Tbsp ranch seasoning (packet or homemade)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup baby spinach or ½ cup peas (optional)
- chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Equipment
- large deep skillet
- tongs
- whisk
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
Method
- Cook chopped bacon in a large deep skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a plate, leaving about 1 Tbsp bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add butter to the skillet, then sauté chicken with salt and pepper until mostly cooked through. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
- Add diced onion and cook for 1–2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in chicken broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in gnocchi and simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and sauce begins to thicken.
- Return chicken to skillet (ensure 165°F). Stir in ¾ cup cheddar cheese, most of the bacon, and spinach or peas if using. Taste and season to preference.
- Top with remaining cheddar and bacon. Garnish with parsley or chives and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 535kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 33gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2mg
Notes
Shortcut: use 2–2½ cups rotisserie chicken (add in Step 6). Homemade ranch: mix 1½ Tbsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Internal links: Baked Lemon Chicken Meatballs, White Pesto Marry Me Chicken, and Greek Chicken Bowls (see article body for full links).
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