Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is that feel-good, crowd-pleasing comfort food you turn to when the air feels just a bit crisper and you’re craving something incredibly cozy. Imagine tender shreds of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a swirl of creamy broth all spooned together with bright pops of fresh veggies and spinach. It’s no wonder this soup is a family favorite—hearty enough for dinner, easy to make in advance, and brimming with flavor, it’s the sort of dish you’ll make once and immediately want to share with everyone you know (along with the recipe!).

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a few everyday ingredients come together so simply to create Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Each addition has its own role—bringing depth, texture, or color to the finished bowl—so don’t skip a thing!

Yellow Onion: Diced for a gentle sweetness that’s the backbone of many great soups.
Carrots: Grated or shredded, they add color and a hint of natural sweetness.
Celery Stalks: Sliced for classic savory flavor and extra crunch.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook up super tender in the crockpot and shred easily for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Salt & Pepper: Season every layer to maximize flavor.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The savory base that ties everything together without being overpowering.
Dried Garlic Powder: Brings even more garlicky aroma alongside the fresh garlic.
Dried Thyme: Adds that lovely herby note essential for great soup.
Dried Rosemary: A little goes a long way, lending a woodsy depth you’ll love.
Garlic Clove: Minced fresh garlic gives a nice flavor punch.
Cornstarch: Just enough to give your soup body without making it gluey—adjust for your preferred thickness.
Evaporated Milk: Creamy but lighter than heavy cream, it creates a dreamy broth.
Gnocchi: Those delightful potato dumplings that turn a simple soup into a hearty meal.
Baby Spinach: Wilts into tender bites and adds bright color and nutrition—add as much as you like!

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Layer the Vegetables and Chicken

Start by spreading your diced onion, shredded carrots, and sliced celery in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Nestle the chicken breasts right on top and sprinkle everything generously with salt and pepper. This creates a flavor-packed base and keeps your chicken moist as it slowly cooks.

Step 2: Add the Flavored Broth

In a big measuring jug or bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, dried garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and that fresh minced garlic clove. Pour this savory mixture over the chicken and veggies in your crockpot, letting the liquid seep down to season every bite.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to HIGH for about 4-5 hours, or LOW for 7-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and the veggies have softened into the broth. This “hands-off” step is why Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so perfect for busy days—your house will smell amazing long before dinner’s ready.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, carefully lift out the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks on a cutting board. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. This is where that magical, melt-apart chicken texture happens—stirring it back in makes every spoonful delicious.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Broth and Add Gnocchi

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the evaporated milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot, then add the gnocchi and your shredded chicken. Give everything a good stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for another 45 minutes. Watch as the soup turns creamy and the gnocchi become tender little pillows.

Step 6: Stir in the Spinach and Finish

Just before serving, toss the baby spinach into the hot soup and stir until wilted—they’ll go soft and swoon-worthy in under a minute. Check your seasoning, then grab a ladle and serve up that glorious Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cracked black pepper over each bowl, or pile on a handful of freshly grated parmesan for that irresistible cheesy finish. For a final pop of freshness, try a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil—it’s amazing how a simple garnish can elevate your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

A crusty loaf of Italian bread or some homemade garlic toast is just begging to be dunked. You could also add a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette for contrast, or serve the soup alongside roasted veggies for a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup into rustic bread bowls or serve in oversized mugs for a cozy, movie-night treat. For a casual get-together, offer a toppings bar with extras like chili flakes, shredded parmesan, and extra herbs so everyone can jazz up their own bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. You’ll find that Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup tastes just as wonderful the next day. It’ll keep for up to three days, making lunch or dinner prep a breeze all week long.

Freezing

You can freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but keep in mind that gnocchi and some veggies might soften a little more after thawing. For best results, freeze in single servings, and if possible, add the gnocchi fresh when reheating for maximum texture.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers gently over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened overnight. Avoid boiling, which can toughen the chicken or make the gnocchi gummy—gentle heat keeps everything tender and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious and cook up just as tender as breasts. The cooking time remains the same, and some folks even prefer the extra flavor thighs provide.

What if I can’t find gnocchi?

No worries! You can substitute with small pasta (like ditalini or small shells), mini cheese tortellini, or even diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary, so check for doneness before serving.

Can I make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?

Certainly! Swap the evaporated milk with a non-dairy milk that’s unsweetened and unflavored (like oat milk or almond milk). You may need to add an extra spoonful of cornstarch to maintain that lovely creamy texture.

How do I thicken or thin the soup to my liking?

Easy! For a thicker broth, add a bit more cornstarch (always mix it into a cold liquid first). To thin out the soup, simply stir in extra chicken broth little by little until you hit the sweet spot.

Can I add extra vegetables to Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely—this soup is wonderfully flexible! Try stirring in diced red bell pepper, zucchini, or even a handful of frozen peas in the last hour of cooking. Just remember that more veggies add extra bulk, so add a splash more broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely satisfying about coming home to a bubbling pot of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, ready to ladle into big bowls and share with the people you love. It’s simple, reliable, and guaranteed to lift spirits on even the chilliest day. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and fall in love with its creamy, comforting magic—just like I have!