Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi (Printer-Friendly Version)
Slow-cooked chicken and gnocchi simmered with savory herbs and fresh vegetables for a warm meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 -
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 -
6 slices bacon
→ Vegetables
03 -
2 cups mirepoix (chopped onions, celery, and carrots)
04 -
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 cups fresh baby spinach
→ Herbs and Spices
06 -
1-2 teaspoons dried basil
07 -
1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
08 -
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
09 -
1 teaspoon salt
→ Liquids
10 -
4 cups chicken broth
11 -
2 cans (12 fl oz each) evaporated milk
12 -
2 tablespoons water
→ Thickeners
13 -
3 tablespoons cornstarch
→ Pasta
14 -
2 packages (1 lb each) potato gnocchi (about 4 cups)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place chicken breasts, mirepoix, dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
02 -
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the cooker.
03 -
Dissolve cornstarch in water. Stir the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 45 to 60 minutes until soup thickens and gnocchi softens.
04 -
While soup thickens, chop bacon into small pieces and fry until crisp. Drain on paper towels and remove excess bacon fat from the pan, leaving a small amount. Sauté minced garlic in reserved fat for 1 minute. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
05 -
Add bacon and sautéed spinach mixture to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 -
Add additional water if needed to adjust thickness. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving to balance flavors as broth salinity may vary.
02 -
Instant Pot adaptation: Cook all initial ingredients at high pressure for 20 minutes with quick release. Shred chicken, then add cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Use the sauté function for 20 minutes to thicken. Finish by stirring in bacon and spinach.