Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful delight of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese. This comforting dish combines tender ranch-seasoned chicken with a velvety macaroni and cheese base, topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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))
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.
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, Ranch Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe
