Description
This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines tender ranch-seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a flavorful and comforting meal. The dish features a homemade ranch-infused cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley, making it a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
Macaroni and 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
Other Ingredients
- 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, add the cubed chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in batches. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Skillet: Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove any remaining bits, prepping it for the macaroni and cheese.
- Make Roux: Melt butter in the cleaned skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and constantly whisk for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns light brown and bubbles softly, ensuring the raw flour taste cooks off.
- Add Milk: Remove skillet from the heat. Gradually pour in warmed milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Thicken Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, garlic powder, and dry ranch seasoning to the sauce. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat to avoid scorching.
- Add Cheese: While off the heat, add the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and cheesy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained, cooked elbow macaroni to the sauce. Stir to evenly coat the noodles in the cheese sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Top the macaroni and cheese with cooked ranch chicken pieces, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated cheeses to ensure smooth melting.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which helps it brown evenly.
- Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps and encourage smooth sauce.
- Adjust ranch seasoning amounts to taste, depending on your preference for ranch flavor intensity.
- This dish can be doubled easily for larger gatherings, just increase cooking times slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
