Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
Hola! This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is comfort food at its absolute best. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy bacon.
The first time I made this dish, it reminded me of those cozy weeknights growing up in Florida when mama would toss together macaroni and whatever we had in the fridge. She taught me that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable.
This version takes that classic mac and cheese and levels it up with tender ranch chicken, smoky bacon, and a sauce so creamy you’ll want to lick the spoon. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty dinner, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Yield | 8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American comfort |
| Best Season | Year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Creamy and indulgent: The ranch-flavored cheese sauce wraps every noodle in rich, velvety goodness.
• Protein-packed: Juicy chicken and bacon make it hearty and satisfying for the whole family.
• Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or Sunday comfort food cravings.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or use leftover chicken for an easy twist.
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, Creamy, Cheesy, and Loaded With Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and tender pasta. This easy comfort food recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for cozy dinners everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ranch Chicken:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
Macaroni and Cheese:
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk, warmed
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
½ cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
¼ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
8 ounces (2 cups uncooked) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, toss chicken with ranch seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken in batches and cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Wipe out the skillet. Melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth. Return to heat and cook 3–5 minutes until thickened.
6. Add salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine.
7. Add cheeses and stir until melted and creamy.
8. Pour cooked macaroni into the sauce and stir gently to coat.
9. Season with salt and pepper, then top with chicken, bacon, and parsley.
10. Serve warm.
Notes
For best flavor, serve the ranch chicken and bacon on top rather than mixing into the macaroni.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Add a splash of cream when reheating leftovers to bring back creaminess.
Customize with your favorite cheese blend or extra spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 8
- Calories: 556
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Ingredients
Ranch Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
Macaroni and Cheese:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces (2 cups uncooked) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Cut into small cubes for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. |
| Ranch Seasoning | Store-bought works fine, but homemade ranch mix gives better freshness. |
| Milk | Warm milk prevents clumping when making your cheese sauce. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting. |
| Bacon | Cook until crispy for the perfect texture contrast. |
| Macaroni | Elbow noodles are classic, but shells or rotini hold sauce just as well. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ranch Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, toss chicken with ranch seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add chicken in batches and cook 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through to 165°F.
- Remove from heat and cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the skillet to use for the macaroni and cheese.
Macaroni and Cheese:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the warm milk until smooth.
- Return to heat and cook 3–5 minutes, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Pour cooked macaroni into the sauce and stir gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pile the ranch chicken and crumbled bacon over the top, then garnish with chopped parsley.
Helpful Tips
• Always warm the milk before adding to the roux for a lump-free sauce.
• Use freshly shredded cheese to avoid a grainy texture.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle ranch seasoning over the bacon before cooking.
• Serve the chicken and bacon on top instead of mixed in for stronger flavors.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
• Golden chicken: Sear chicken in small batches to get that perfect color.
• Cheese blend: Combining white cheddar and mozzarella gives creamy melt and mild flavor.
• Layer flavors: Ranch seasoning in both the sauce and chicken keeps every bite balanced.
• Presentation: Top with bacon and parsley right before serving for visual appeal.
Recipe Variations
• Spicy Ranch Mac: Add a dash of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
• BBQ Chicken Ranch Mac: Drizzle BBQ sauce on top before serving for smoky sweetness.
• Buffalo Version: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before layering.
• Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli, peas, or spinach for color and texture.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can make the sauce and chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, warm them gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. It also pairs beautifully with crispy onion rings or a chilled glass of iced tea.
If you’re craving something creamy and full of bold, comforting flavor, try my Churu Chicken Amarillo, Creamy Peruvian Comfort in 30 Minutes. This dish blends tender chicken with a rich yellow pepper sauce that’s perfectly smooth, savory, and ready in half an hour. It’s the kind of easy comfort food that brings South American warmth straight to your dinner table.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe for Easy Mediterranean Nights for a week of flavorful dinners. For a cozy side, try creamy mashed potatoes or a light Caesar salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, it saves time and still tastes amazing with ranch seasoning.
What kind of pasta works best? Elbow macaroni is classic, but penne, rotini, or shells also work well.
Can I make it ahead? Yes, prepare everything except topping with bacon, then reheat and garnish fresh.
Is this spicy? Not at all, but you can add hot sauce or cayenne for heat.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make it extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream when melting the cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 of 8 |
|---|---|
| Calories | 556 kcal |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Conclusion
This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comfort food blend of creamy pasta, tender ranch chicken, and crispy bacon. It’s simple, hearty, and made with love, just the way comfort food should be.
