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