Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 serving
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons dry Ranch seasoning; ½ cup white cheddar cheese; ¼ cup mozzarella cheese; 8 ounces (2 cups uncooked) elbow macaroni; 4 strips bacon; salt and pepper; Parsley

User Reviews

4.9

99 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
8
Calories
556 kcal
Course
Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine
American

Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Iris Hanson

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Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is a pile of ranch-seasoned cheesy elbow macaroni topped with ranch seasoned chicken and crumbled bacon.

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Ingredients

Servings

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
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Ranch Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side (or until golden brown and internal temperature is 165°F). Remove from heat and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Wipe out the skillet to use for the macaroni and cheese.

Macaroni and Cheese

In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
Return the pan to the heat and whisk another 3-5 minutes, or until thickened.
Add the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
Add the cheeses, stirring to melt.
Pour the cooked noodles over the top of the sauce. Stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper, and top with the chicken, bacon, and chopped parsley.

Notes

PRO TIP: I prefer to NOT mix the chicken & bacon into the macaroni and cheese. (Just pile on top!)
I tested this recipe several times by adding all ingredients together and found that it wasn't as flavorful when combined; the cheesy macaroni drowns out that fabulous ranch chicken. I highly recommend serving as shown and allowing the family to mix ingredients in their bowl should they prefer that method.