Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Recipes Gnocchi and Chicken

Let’s be honest—some days, the idea of cooking dinner feels like running a marathon in flip-flops. But this Crockpot recipes gnocchi and chicken meal? It’s the dinner equivalent of putting on fuzzy socks and letting someone else handle the hard part.

Here’s why you’ll fall for this cozy, slow-cooked dish:

🍗 Set It & Forget It
Toss everything in your slow cooker, then go about your day. The Crockpot works its magic while you answer emails, fold laundry, or, let’s be real, sneak in a Netflix episode.

🥔 Hearty & Filling
Loaded with chicken thighs, fire-roasted tomatoes, and pillowy gnocchi, this meal is pure comfort in a bowl. One bite and you’re instantly warm from the inside out.

🌿 Flavor Explosion
Anchovies melt into the base (no fishy vibes, promise), rosemary adds woodsy brightness, and the tomatoes bring smoky depth. It’s a slow-cooked flavor bomb—no culinary degree required.

Ingredients for Crockpot Recipes Gnocchi and Chicken Recipe

No endless shopping list here—just hearty ingredients with bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – Adds rich flavor and stays juicy.
1 can fire-roasted plum tomatoes – Smoky and bold; use whole or crushed.
4 anchovy fillets – Melt into the sauce for umami depth (don’t skip!).
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes – For just a hint of heat.
1 tbsp olive oil – For browning and building flavor.
5 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic = always.
1 tsp paprika – Adds subtle warmth and color.
1 large onion, chopped – Sweetens as it cooks.
4 oz mushrooms, chopped – Adds texture and umami.
3 sprigs rosemary, chopped – Fresh and fragrant.
Salt & pepper to taste – About 1 tsp each, adjust as you go.
1 package gnocchi – Shelf-stable or refrigerated both work; add late.
Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of green.

Once everything’s in the pot, it’s all about letting time do the heavy lifting. You’re just hours away from the kind of meal that makes everyone ask, “Wait—you made this?”

Top view of crockpot recipes gnocchi and chicken ingredients in a white daylight apartment kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is basically your Crockpot’s time to shine—minimal hands-on work, major flavor payoff. Here’s how to build it:

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Step 1 – Season & Marinate Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, paprika, and black pepper. For even more flavor, pop them into a ziplock bag and let them marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If time’s tight, even 30 minutes helps.

Step 2 – Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs for 2 minutes per side—just enough to get that golden crust. Transfer the chicken to your Crockpot, and drain any excess fat from the skillet (but keep those tasty browned bits!).

Step 3 – Sauté Aromatics & Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the onion and anchovies. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking up the anchovies so they melt right into the mix. Add the mushrooms, garlic, and rosemary, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and let everything bubble together for a minute, scraping up all that flavor from the pan. Then pour this saucy mix over your chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 4 – Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Begin checking the internal temp of the chicken around hour 3 (you’re aiming for 165°F). The flavors will meld beautifully as it simmers.

Step 5 – Add Gnocchi & Finish

In the last 25–30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the gnocchi. They’ll soak up the sauce and become tender little pillows of deliciousness. Once the gnocchi are soft and the chicken is fork-tender, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like.

Recipe collage showing steps to make crockpot recipes gnocchi and chicken in daylight white apartment kitchen.

Helpful Tips for the Best Crockpot Recipes Gnocchi and Chicken

Here’s how to really nail this one-pot wonder:

🔥 Brown the Chicken First
Yes, it’s an extra step, but it builds serious flavor. That golden crust adds depth that raw chicken just can’t match.

🐟 Don’t Skip the Anchovies
They dissolve completely into the sauce and deliver incredible umami—not a fishy flavor. If you’re skeptical, start with two. Or swap in a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

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⏳ Add Gnocchi Late
Gnocchi are delicate. Add them too early, and you’ll end up with gummy mush. Last 30 minutes is the sweet spot.

🌿 Use Fresh Rosemary
The brightness of fresh herbs stands up beautifully to the slow-cooked richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts will work, but keep an eye on the cooking time—they’ll cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked. Aim for internal temp of 165°F and reduce cook time by 30–60 minutes.

Can I skip the anchovies?

You can—but they really do melt into the dish and boost the flavor without being fishy. If you’re not ready for the anchovy life, sub in ½ tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for similar depth.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Both shelf-stable and refrigerated potato gnocchi work great. Just avoid cauliflower or frozen gnocchi here—they don’t hold up well in a slow cooker and may turn gummy.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not ideal. While the chicken and sauce freeze fine, gnocchi can become mushy once thawed. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Adding gnocchi to crockpot chicken and tomato stew in a white daylight apartment kitchen.

Storage & Maintenance

Slow-cooked meals make the best leftovers—just be sure to store and reheat them right:

Fridge:
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so your next-day lunch might be even better.

Reheat:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.

Freezer:
Not recommended. The gnocchi can break down and turn soft once frozen and thawed.

Final Thought

This Crockpot Recipes Gnocchi and Chicken dish brings together everything we crave in comfort food: tender meat, bold flavors, and pillowy-soft gnocchi—all with the magic of a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe offers that rare combo of low-effort and high reward. It’s rustic, rich, and undeniably cozy.

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So grab your slow cooker, pile on the gnocchi, and as always—Stir the Taste, and serve up a little warmth in every bowl. 🍲