Chicken and Gnocchi Freezer Meal Recipe

Two of my favorite comfort foods are pasta and potatoes, and so it makes perfect sense that gnocchi is at the top of the list for my favorite dinner choices. Our Chicken and Gnocchi checks all the boxes with its tender chicken, infused with the flavor of aromatics like onion, thyme, and sage. There are many ways to enjoy gnocchi, but this recipe is a chart-topper.

Aside from loving rich, flavorful dinners, I also enjoy being stress-free, having spare time to do the things I love, and meeting my financial goals…which is exactly why this isn’t just any Chicken and Gnocchi, but our make-ahead, freezer meal version. By sacrificing just a few minutes on a weekend morning, I save myself the trouble of hours in the kitchen on a weeknight, not to mention clean-up time. A one-pot wonder, our Chicken and Gnocchi is designed to make your life easier and your belly happier.

If you’re a lover of pasta, potatoes, or plain old comfort foods, you’re in the right place. Consider this your invitation to join us as we partake in all the yumminess our Chicken and Gnocchi brings!

Why You’ll love this Chicken Gnocchi Freezer Meal Recipe

• Kid-Friendly Flavor: The mild yet pleasing flavors of chicken and gnocchi are a hit with kids, which means you get to enjoy a fuss-free dinner.
• Effortless: Dumping a few ingredients into a freezer bag and then into a slow cooker sounds effortless to me!
• Cost-Effective: Whether you make a single batch or a double, this recipe can save money compared to dining out or buying pre-made meals.

Chicken and Gnocchi Freezer Meal Recipe

Our Chicken and Gnocchi checks all the boxes with its tender chicken, infused with the flavor of aromatics like onion, thyme, and sage. There are many ways to enjoy gnocchi, but this recipe is a chart-topper.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
• 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
• 1 1/2 cup Yellow onion diced
• 2 tsp Thyme
• 1 1/2 tsp Sage
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 2 tsp Black pepper

Day Of Cooking:

• 1 lb Gnocchi Gluten-Free
• 2 cups Chicken broth Gluten-Free

Instructions

 

Prep/Freezer directions

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Add all ingredients, except the chicken broth and the gnocchi, to the freezer bag. 
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. 

Slow Cooker Directions

• Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 2 cups of chicken broth, into a slow cooker. 
• Cook on low for 5 hours. 
• Shred chicken and then add gnocchi. (If there is very little liquid in the slow cooker, add an additional 1 cup of water so the gnocchi can cook). 
• Cook on high for 30 more minutes. 
• Stir and Serve

Instant Pot Directions: 

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 2 cups of chicken broth, into the Instant Pot. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release. 
3. Shred chicken. If liquid is low, add 1 cup of water, then stir in gnocchi. 
4. Use the “sauté” function for 2-3 minutes or until gnocchi are tender. 
5. Stir well and serve. 

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free:   

• Verify Chicken Broth is Gluten Free 
• Use a Gluten Free Gnocchi (Whole Foods has the best one I have found) 

 

Make it Dairy Free:  

• This recipe is naturally dairy free 

Keyword Chicken and Gnocchi, Chicken Freezer Meals, easy freezer meals for new moms, freezer meals, Instant pot chicken recipes, Slow cooker Chicken Recipe

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Equipment Needed to Make Easy Chicken Gnocchi Meal Prep

• 1 Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
• 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients for your Make-Ahead Gnocchi and Chicken Dinner

• 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs, boneless/skinless
• 1 1/2 cup Yellow onion, diced
• 2 tsp Thyme
• 1 1/2 tsp Sage
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 2 tsp Black pepper
• Day Of Cooking:
• 1 lb Gnocchi, Gluten-Free
• 2 cups Chicken broth, Gluten-Free

How to Make A Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Freezer Recipe

Prep/Freezer Directions:

1. Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
2. Add all ingredients, except the chicken broth and the gnocchi, to the freezer bag. 
3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. 

Slow Cooker Directions:

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 2 cups of chicken broth, into a slow cooker. 
2. Cook on low for 5 hours. 
3. Shred chicken and then add gnocchi. (If there is very little liquid in the slow cooker, add an additional 1 cup of water so the gnocchi can cook). 
4. Cook on high for 30 more minutes. 
5. Stir and Serve

What to Pair with your Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Freezer Recipes

Sides:

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
• Parmesan Roasted Carrots
• Caesar Salad

Desserts:

• Lemon Ricotta Cake
• Tiramisu
• Affogato

Mocktails:

• Cucumber Mint Cooler
• Peach Ginger Fizz
• Berry Basil Lemonade

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• Leeks: If onions aren’t your friend or you’d like to try something new, substitute them with leeks. They have a milder, sweeter flavor, freeze well, and work well in slow-cooked dishes.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap out regular gnocchi for gluten-free (tip: Trader Joe’s has an excellent gluten-free gnocchi in their freezer section).

Additions:

• Spinach: Stir in a couple of cups of fresh spinach toward the end of your cooking process to introduce a colorful, nutritious element to your Chicken and Gnocchi.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Color, texture, and flavor are heightened with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes. Mix in ¾ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for make this dish more complex and enjoyable.

How to Reheat and Store Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Freezer Meal

Best way to store leftover One-Pot Chicken and Gnocchi Freezer Meal

Our recommendation when it comes to storing these delicious leftovers is to utilize the refrigerator. To store safely, allow the recipe to cool to room temperature, and choose airtight containers, or resealable storage bags for food consumption.

How long will Chicken and Gnocchi last in the fridge?

When properly stored in the fridge in an airtight container, Chicken and Gnocchi will stay fresh for three to five days.

Can I freeze Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Freezer Meal?

Our tried-and-true method of freezing raw means we often don’t freeze leftovers. The reason freezer meals have a bad rep is because often times freezing cooked food results in a mushy, bland second time dinner. Although you can freeze leftovers, we recommend consuming them in the recommended three to five day period. If you wish to freeze your leftovers, follow the same procedure as you would to store in the fridge, cool, select appropriate containers, remove excess air, and store for up to three months.

How to Reheat Savory Chicken an Gnocchi Freeze Meal Recipe?

This meal can be reheated many ways, our preferred method to preserve as much quality texture and flavor is to use the stovetop. Splash some broth of water on the skillet to prevent sticking, and stir occasionally to provide even reheating throughout the desired leftovers. If you wish to use the microwave, avoid overheating by using short bursts of 30-60 seconds, stir in between each interval, until you have reached your desired temperature. The oven may also be used, preheat to 350F. Once preheated, place in oven for 15-25 minutes on an oven safe container, and check for an internal temperature of 165f upon completion of cooking. Heat until desired temp has been reached.

Best Chicken Gnocchi Freezer Meal FAQs

Other Chicken and Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Pesto Chicken and Veggies
• Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Million Dollar Pesto Pasta
• Lazy Lasagna Ravioli

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Chicken and Gnocchi turned out!