Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet: An Irresistible & Crispy Delight! 🍗🥓🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the tenderness of gnocchi with crispy bacon, succulent chicken, and creamy ranch flavor, then the Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect recipe for you. This quick and easy one-pan meal brings together irresistible ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just seeking comfort food, this skillet blends everything into a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet
Preparation and Cooking the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sautéing Garlic and Gnocchi
Add olive oil to the skillet if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add the gnocchi and cook until they are golden and slightly crispy on the edges, approximately 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Stir in the ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the mixture is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This hearty dish is perfect on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in a skillet until heated through. For best results, add a splash of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to keep it flavorful and moist.
5. Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet
This flavorful skillet pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or roasted vegetables. If you love pasta variations, check out our pasta recipes for more ideas. For a complete comfort food experience, consider serving with crispy garlic bread or fresh breadsticks.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute chicken with turkey or sausage?
Absolutely! Using turkey or sausage adds their own flavor profile. Chicken is preferred for a lean, mild option, but pork sausage or turkey can be excellent substitutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
While delicious, this recipe is not strictly keto due to the gnocchi, which are high in carbs. However, you can explore low-carb alternatives or cauliflower gnocchi for a keto variation.
How long does it take to prepare?
This hearty lasagna soup-inspired dish takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, you can omit bacon for a lighter version or substitute with turkey bacon or smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Ensure your cooking experience is seamless by using some efficient tools. For instance, the Ninja SLUSHi with RapidChill Technology makes preparing chilled beverages or cooling sauces effortlessly. The Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer helps prep ingredients quickly and with minimal mess. A quality nonstick cookware set will ensure even cooking and easy cleanup, making this skillet recipe a joy to prepare.
8. Conclusion
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet combines comfort and bold flavors into a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for any occasion. Its crispy bacon, tender chicken, flavorful ranch, and cheesy goodness create a dish that everyone will rave about. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without hassle. Try this tasty recipe today and enjoy a hearty, cheesy lasagna-inspired experience that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet
Discover the irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet – a hearty, cheesy, and crispy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Combining tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy ranch, this flavorful dish is easy to make and sure to satisfy every craving.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add gnocchi and cook until golden and crispy, approximately 5 minutes.
- Return cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Stir in ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Skillet!
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cheese or herbs before serving.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg