Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Gnocchi Delight
Warm up with this Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Gnocchi Delight that combines tender chicken thighs with a savory broth and soft, pillowy gnocchi. This comforting soup is accentuated by fresh carrots and peas, enhanced with aromatic thyme and a creamy base for rich flavor. Perfect for those busy days when you crave a homestyle meal without the fuss, this dish allows you to customize seasonings to meet your palate. Enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker as it melds the flavors beautifully throughout the day, making for a satisfying dinner or lunch sure to please the whole family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken thighs
1 1/4 lbs (Cut into bite-sized pieces (boneless & skinless))
Julienne carrots
1 cup (Fresh, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped (about 1 medium onion))
Dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon
Chicken broth
32 ounces (1 carton (4 cups))
Condensed cream of mushroom & garlic soup
10 3/4 ounces (1 can)
Gnocchi
16 ounces (Not frozen, ready-to-cook)
Frozen sweet peas
9 ounces (Thawed)
Instructions
1
In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and no longer pink in the center.
2
Spray the inside of a 3-4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
3
In the slow cooker, combine the cooked chicken, julienne carrots, chopped onion, dried thyme leaves, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
5
When there are about 30 minutes left in the cooking time, increase the heat setting to high. Stir in the gnocchi and thawed sweet peas, mixing well to incorporate.
6
Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender and the peas are warmed through. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Gnocchi Delight?
It is a comforting, creamy soup made with tender chicken thighs, gnocchi, carrots, and peas, slow-cooked to perfection.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, though thighs are recommended for their tenderness in slow cooker recipes.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the chicken in a skillet for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor and texture.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 3-4 quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this specific recipe.
When do I add the gnocchi to the slow cooker?
Add the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking after increasing the heat setting to high.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
The recipe specifies using ready-to-cook, non-frozen gnocchi for the best results.
How long does this recipe cook on low?
The initial cooking phase for the chicken and vegetables is 8 to 10 hours on the low setting.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
This recipe includes julienne carrots, chopped onions, and thawed sweet peas.
Can I use fresh herbs?
The recipe calls for dried thyme, but you can use fresh thyme; just remember to adjust the quantity as fresh herbs are less potent than dried.
What provides the creamy base for the soup?
The creaminess comes from a 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom & garlic soup.
Do I need to thaw the peas before adding them?
Yes, the 9 ounces of frozen sweet peas should be thawed before being stirred in at the end.
Is it necessary to use a slow cooker liner?
It is not necessary, but using a liner or cooking spray is recommended for easier cleanup.
Can I cook this dish faster on a high setting?
While the recipe specifies low for 8-10 hours, you could generally cook it on high for 4-5 hours, though low heat yields more tender chicken.
How do I prepare the carrots?
Carrots should be peeled and cut into matchstick-sized pieces, known as julienne style.
What kind of broth is used?
The recipe uses 32 ounces (one carton) of chicken broth.
How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
The gnocchi is done when it becomes tender, which usually takes about 30 minutes on the high heat setting.
Can I add more seasonings?
Yes, you should adjust the seasonings to your personal taste before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great 'set it and forget it' meal for busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom & garlic soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Does the gnocchi need to be boiled separately?
No, the gnocchi cooks directly in the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion, which is roughly one medium onion.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, its mild, creamy flavor and soft gnocchi make it a hit with both children and adults.
Can I use olive oil for browning the chicken?
Yes, a splash of olive oil is recommended for browning the chicken thighs in the skillet.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a thick, hearty soup with soft, pillowy gnocchi and tender vegetables.
How much gnocchi is needed?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce package of ready-to-cook gnocchi.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add vegetables like celery or spinach, though it may change the cooking time or liquid requirements.
What if I don't have a 3-4 quart slow cooker?
You can use a larger one, but the liquid may evaporate faster, so keep an eye on the moisture levels.
Should I stir the soup often?
You only need to stir when combining the initial ingredients and again when adding the gnocchi and peas.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.