Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
556 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Description
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese features ranch-seasoned chicken cooked separately, then topped onto elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce infused with ranch seasoning, white cheddar, and mozzarella. The chicken is cubed, seasoned, and sautéed until golden brown, with careful timing to keep it tender and warm. Butter and flour create a roux for the macaroni and cheese sauce, and warm milk is gradually added and thickened on heat before the cheeses and seasonings complete the sauce.
The dish balances the tangy ranch flavor against smooth, cheesy noodles with crispy bacon added as topping, rather than folded in. This helps retain the bacon's crunch. The recipe advises serving chicken and bacon on top to maintain distinct textures and flavors rather than mixing everything together. The combination results in a satisfying dish where each ingredient contributes individually.
For best results, cook the pasta al dente and add the chicken in batches to maintain an even sear. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serving the chicken and bacon separately allows diners to combine ingredients according to their texture preference.
Ingredients
Ranch Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes, skinless
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning about 2 tablespoons
Macaroni and Cheese
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning dry
- ½ cup White Cheddar Cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese freshly grated
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked al dente and drained, uncooked, 2 cups
- 4 trips Bacon cooked and crumbled
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- parsley chopped (for garnish
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
- Serve the ranch chicken and bacon separately on top of the macaroni and cheese to preserve their flavors and textures.
- Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even searing and proper internal temperature without overcooking.
- The mac and cheese sauce is enriched with ranch seasoning for a distinct tang; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 556 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 556kcal | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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