Description
This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines tender, ranch-seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal. With a rich homemade cheese sauce, crispy bacon topping, and a hint of garlic and ranch seasoning, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
Pasta and Toppings
- 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
- Season and Prepare Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with dry ranch seasoning thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken in batches and cook 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and keep warm tented with foil.
- Prepare the Skillet: Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to clean and prepare it for the cheese sauce.
- Make Roux: Melt butter over medium heat in the skillet. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown and bubbles softly, cooking off the raw flour taste.
- Add Warmed Milk: Remove skillet from heat and gradually whisk in warmed milk to prevent lumps.
- Thicken Sauce: Return skillet to medium heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Season Sauce: Stir in salt, garlic powder, and dry ranch seasoning. Remove from heat to avoid scorching.
- Add Cheese: Off the heat, mix in white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Pasta: Add cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Top with cooked ranch chicken, crumbled bacon, and sprinkled parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the milk is warmed before adding to the roux to prevent lumps.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Feel free to substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version.
- Parsley garnish adds a fresh pop of color and flavor but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
