Easy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi with Bacon

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi with Bacon is a slow cooker dinner made with tender shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, cream, and crispy bacon. The creamy broth makes this dish worth making, while the crockpot does most of the work. As it cooks, the chicken and garlic give the kitchen a warm, savory smell. The gnocchi turns soft and tender in the creamy sauce, making each bowl filling and comforting. I like making this on a busy day when I want a hearty dinner without standing over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon

• Hands-off cooking: The chicken cooks in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
• Hearty protein: Chicken breast makes this creamy gnocchi dinner filling enough for a main meal.
• Creamy texture: Heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan create a rich sauce around the gnocchi.
• Simple ingredients: You only need chicken, gnocchi, spinach, bacon, broth, cream, and a few seasonings.
• Easy finishing touch: Cooked crumbled bacon and Parmesan add salty flavor just before serving.

How To Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts and placing them in the crock pot with chicken broth. Let the slow cooker cook the chicken until it is tender enough to shred. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the gnocchi, spinach, and heavy cream. Cook for 30 minutes more on low, until the gnocchi is cooked. Spoon the creamy chicken and gnocchi into bowls, then finish each serving with bacon and Parmesan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1 package gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken broth and cover the pot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Add the gnocchi and spinach.
8. Stir in the heavy cream.
9. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, until the gnocchi is cooked.
10. Serve topped with crumbled bacon and Parmesan cheese.

How To Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon

Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi with Bacon in wide bowls so the creamy broth, chicken, spinach, and gnocchi are easy to scoop together. Add extra Parmesan cheese at the table if you like a stronger cheese flavor.

A simple green salad makes a fresh side for this rich dinner. You can also serve it with warm bread for dipping into the creamy broth.

This meal works well for a relaxed family dinner or a night when you need the slow cooker to handle most of the cooking. For a drink, serve water, iced tea, or another simple beverage you enjoy with dinner.

How To Store Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon

Let leftovers cool, then place them in a covered container in the refrigerator. Store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The gnocchi may continue to absorb some of the creamy broth as it sits.

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir between heating intervals, and add a small amount of broth if the mixture becomes thicker than you like. Because this dish contains cream and gnocchi, the texture may change after freezing, so freezing is not the best storage option.

Tips For Making Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon

• Season the chicken first: Coat the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before adding the broth.
• Use cooked bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon before serving so it stays crisp on top of the creamy dish.
• Shred while warm: Remove and shred the chicken after the first cooking time, then return it to the crock pot while it is still warm.
• Add gnocchi near the end: The gnocchi only needs an additional 30 minutes on low, so add it after the chicken has cooked and been shredded.
• Stir in the spinach: Add the fresh spinach with the gnocchi and heavy cream so it can soften in the hot broth.
• Check the gnocchi: The dish is ready when the gnocchi is cooked and tender after the final 30 minutes on low.

Variations

• Ingredient swap: As an option, use cooked turkey in place of the chicken breast. Add it when the recipe calls for the shredded chicken to return to the pot.
• Add-in: For an optional extra vegetable, stir in more fresh spinach with the gnocchi, or add another vegetable you already have on hand.
• Different cooking method: You can make this in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker, but the cooking time and liquid level may need to be adjusted as the chicken cooks and the gnocchi softens.

FAQs

Can I Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead and shred it before finishing the dish. Keep the cooked chicken covered in the refrigerator, then warm it with the broth before adding the gnocchi, spinach, and heavy cream.

Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi In This Recipe?

The recipe lists one package of gnocchi without specifying fresh or frozen. If using frozen gnocchi, check the package directions and watch the texture during the final 30 minutes on low.

Does Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi With Bacon Freeze Well?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator. The cream and gnocchi can change texture after freezing and reheating, so freezing is not the preferred option.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Doubling the recipe may require a larger crock pot so the ingredients can cook evenly. Keep the chicken, broth, seasonings, gnocchi, spinach, and cream in the same proportions, and check that the chicken and gnocchi are fully cooked before serving.

How Do I Know When The Chicken And Gnocchi Are Done?

The chicken should be tender enough to remove from the crock pot and shred after cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After the gnocchi, spinach, and cream are added, cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, until the gnocchi is cooked.

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