Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup With Rotisserie Chicken

So, you’re eyeing that comfy couch, dreaming of a delicious, soul-warming meal, but the thought of actual *cooking* feels like scaling Mount Everest? Been there, bought the t-shirt. Today, my friend, we’re diving into the magical world of the Crockpot, where effort is low and flavor is HIGH. Get ready for some Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup goodness!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This recipe is awesome because it basically cooks itself. You toss stuff in, walk away, and come back to culinary triumph. It’s perfect for those “I want to eat like a queen but feel like a sloth” days. Plus, we’re using a rotisserie chicken, which means we’re already halfway to deliciousness without even trying. Talk about winning at life! It’s practically foolproof, even if your cooking skills mostly involve ordering takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate cheat code. Already cooked, already delicious. Just shred it up!
• 1 large onion: Chopped. Don’t cry, it’s worth it. Or wear swim goggles, no judgment.
• 2-3 carrots: Diced. Adds a pop of color and some sweet earthiness.
• 2-3 celery stalks: Diced. The crunch-tastic sidekick to your carrots.
• 4-6 cloves garlic: Minced. Because is it even soup without garlic? Rhetorical question, the answer is no.
• 6 cups chicken broth: Low sodium, please. We can add salt later, but we can’t take it away. Trust me on this.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Or a bit more if you’re feeling wild.
• ½ tsp dried rosemary: Crush it between your fingers for extra aroma!
• 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that velvety, “I’m dining at a fancy restaurant” feel.
• 16 oz package potato gnocchi: The fluffy little clouds of pure joy. Don’t use the shelf-stable kind, get the fresh refrigerated ones for maximum squishiness.
• 2 cups fresh spinach: Or kale, if you’re feeling extra virtuous. It wilts down to almost nothing, so don’t be shy!
• Salt and black pepper: To taste, because you’re the boss of your flavor.
• Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or a crusty baguette for dipping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Time! (Minimal, I promise): Shred your rotisserie chicken, discarding bones and skin. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that glorious garlic. You’re doing great!
2. Into the Crockpot It Goes: Add the shredded chicken, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to your slow cooker.
3. Liquid Gold & Spices: Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
4. Slow Cooker Magic: Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Let it do its thing; you’ve earned a break.
5. The Grand Finale (Almost): About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and the potato gnocchi. Cover again and let it cook until the gnocchi are tender and pillowy – usually 20-30 minutes.
6. Green Goodness: Finally, stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt down for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve It Up! Ladle into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan, and prepare for happy sighs. Boom! Dinner is served.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding gnocchi too early: Rookie mistake! You’ll end up with mushy, disintegrated gnocchi. Nobody wants that. Add them towards the end, folks!
• Forgetting to shred the chicken: Seriously? Unless you’re into giant chunks of chicken in your soup, get shredding. It makes for a much better texture.
• Over-salting from the get-go: Remember that low-sodium broth? Good. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out. Taste and adjust. Your taste buds will thank you.
• Skipping the fresh spinach/kale: It seems like a lot, but it shrinks dramatically. Don’t be scared of the greens; they add freshness and nutrients without being overpowering.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Chicken Swap: No rotisserie chicken? No problem! Cook up some chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. Just add them in with the veggies. Or, if you’re a vegetarian, use vegetable broth and skip the chicken entirely for a delightful Gnocchi Vegetable Soup.
• Veggie Power-Up: Feel free to throw in other veggies! Sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or even some frozen peas (add with the spinach) would be delish.
• Cream Alternative: For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but honestly, the heavy cream is what makes this soup ridiculously luxurious. If you’re dairy-free, try full-fat coconut milk (it’ll add a slight coconut flavor, FYI!).
• Gnocchi Goes Gluten-Free: Yes, they exist! Look for gluten-free potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle. Easy peasy.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Just be aware that the gnocchi might get a little softer when thawed and reheated. Still delicious, but maybe not quite as perfectly pillowy.
• Do I have to sauté the veggies first? Nope! That’s the beauty of the crockpot, my friend. We’re embracing laziness here. Just toss them in raw.
• What if I don’t have fresh gnocchi? Shelf-stable gnocchi works in a pinch, but the texture isn’t quite the same. It’s usually a bit chewier. If you can, spring for the refrigerated kind. Trust me on this one.
• Can I make this on the stovetop instead? You could, but then it wouldn’t be a crockpot recipe, would it? 😉 If you’re in a hurry, you can sauté the veggies, add broth, chicken, and spices, simmer for 15-20 minutes, then add cream and gnocchi until cooked.
• My soup looks a little thin, what gives? Don’t fret! It will thicken slightly as the gnocchi cooks and releases some starch. If you want it even thicker, you can make a quick slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in during the last 15 minutes, and let it do its magic.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! A ridiculously easy, incredibly comforting, and utterly delicious Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup that practically makes itself. Go ahead, bask in the glory of your culinary prowess. You just created something amazing with minimal effort, and that, my friend, is a superpower. Now go impress someone – or just yourself – with your new skills. You’ve totally earned that second bowl (or third, no judgment here!). Happy crockpotting!