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Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

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Prepare to transform your dinner game with the most incredible Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This isn't just another mac and cheese - it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy bacon. Imagine a dish so delicious, it turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a culinary celebration. Each bite brings together the comfort of classic mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavors of ranch and perfectly cooked chicken. Quick to prepare, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food recipe. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table say 'wow'!
Soo Ben
Updated on Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:33:51 GMT
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Imagine a dish that takes everything you love about comfort food and turns it up to eleven. This isn't just macaroni and cheese - it's a flavor explosion, a culinary masterpiece that transforms the classic mac and cheese into something extraordinary. Ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheese sauce so rich it'll make your taste buds dance - this is comfort food reimagined.

The first time I made this for my family, my brother - who claims to be impossible to impress - ate three helpings and declared it "dangerously good." Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that turn skeptics into believers with just one bite.

Ingredient Lineup

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Protein foundation
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix - Flavor powerhouse
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil - Cooking medium

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni - The classic pasta base
  • 4 tablespoons butter - Adds richness and depth
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour - Thickening agent
  • 2 cups whole milk - Creates creamy base
  • 1 teaspoon salt - Flavor enhancer
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Adds aromatic depth
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix - Brings tangy complexity
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - Provides sharp, bold flavor
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese - Adds creamy melting quality

Toppings:

  • 6 slices bacon - Crispy, smoky finish
  • Fresh parsley - Adds brightness
  • Salt and black pepper - Final flavor adjustment

Ingredient Deep Dive

Chicken: The Protein Canvas
Not just a protein, but a flavor carrier. The ranch seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, creating pockets of tangy, herbaceous goodness throughout the dish.

Cheese Blend: The Flavor Symphony
Cheddar and Monterey Jack aren't just cheeses - they're flavor architects. The sharp cheddar brings boldness, while Monterey Jack provides that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Ranch Seasoning: The Secret Weapon
More than just a seasoning, this is the magic dust that elevates the entire dish. It brings a tangy, herbal complexity that transforms ordinary mac and cheese into something spectacular.

Chicken Preparation: Flavor Building

Seasoning Technique
Coating the chicken isn't just about adding flavor - it's about creating a uniform, flavor-packed protein that will be the star of the dish.
Cooking Precision
Cooking the chicken is an art of timing and temperature. Those golden-brown edges aren't just about color - they're about developing deep, rich flavors.
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Easy Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

Cheese Sauce Creation: Culinary Alchemy

Roux Formation
Creating the roux isn't just mixing butter and flour. It's about developing a base that will thicken and flavor the entire sauce.
Cheese Integration
Adding cheese isn't just melting - it's about creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every single pasta noodle perfectly.

Creative Variations

  • Swap chicken for different proteins
  • Experiment with cheese varieties
  • Add extra vegetables
  • Play with spice levels
  • Create vegetarian versions

Serving and Storage Wisdom

Best served hot and fresh. Excellent for meal prep. Freezes beautifully. Perfect for comforting meals.

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Final Culinary Thoughts

Cooking is about more than following a recipe. It's about creating moments, about turning simple ingredients into something that brings people together.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is your ticket to culinary bliss.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Try rotini, shells, or penne as alternatives to elbow macaroni.
→ How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.
→ What can I serve with this mac and cheese?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent separating.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cheesy ranch mac with chicken and bacon. Comfort food with a twist!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Sou


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large skillet of mac and cheese)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Ranch Chicken

01 Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
02 Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4, cut into cubes)
03 Dry ranch seasoning (1 package, about 2 tablespoons)

→ Macaroni and Cheese

04 Unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
05 All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
06 Whole milk, warmed (1 1/2 cups)
07 Salt (1 teaspoon)
08 Garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon)
09 Dry ranch seasoning (2 tablespoons)
10 White cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated)
11 Mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated)
12 Elbow macaroni (8 ounces, 2 cups uncooked)

→ Toppings

13 Bacon (4 strips, cooked and crumbled)
14 Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
15 Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken cubes with ranch seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, cooking 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.

Step 04

Remove from heat and gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly. Return to heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Step 05

Add salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine, then remove from heat. Add cheeses, stirring until melted.

Step 06

Pour cooked noodles over the sauce and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 07

Top macaroni and cheese with ranch chicken, crumbled bacon, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Pro tip: Serve chicken and bacon on top of mac and cheese, not mixed in
  2. Allows each person to mix ingredients to their preference
  3. Keeps the flavors of each component distinct

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese, milk)
  • Contains wheat (flour, pasta)
  • Contains meat (chicken, bacon)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 556
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 25 g