If you are looking for a dish that brings together creamy comfort, zesty flavors, and satisfying protein, this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender chicken coated with savory ranch seasoning, a luscious cheesy sauce made from scratch, and crispy bacon that adds the perfect crunch. Ready in just 25 minutes and serving eight hungry friends or family members, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, it will be requested again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to making this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe a breeze. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the right balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish irresistible.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for cooking chicken evenly and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein that soaks up ranch seasoning beautifully.
- Dry ranch seasoning: Adds that classic zesty ranch flavor that ties the dish together, split between chicken and sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for making a silky smooth roux which thickens the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the roux, giving the sauce body and creaminess.
- Whole milk: Warmed to help create a velvety cheese sauce without lumps.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle earthy depth to the sauce.
- White cheddar cheese: Sharp, freshly grated for a rich, tangy cheese flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Offers meltiness and stretch for luscious texture.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape, cooked al dente to hold up perfectly to the cheese sauce.
- Bacon strips: Crispy crumbles lend smoky, crunchy contrast.
- Parsley: Fresh and chopped for a bright, colorful garnish that livens up the plate.
How to Make Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing those bite-sized chicken cubes with about two tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning in a large bowl. Giving the chicken a full coating ensures every bite bursts with that signature ranch flavor, setting the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Perfectly
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan—this helps each piece develop a golden-brown crust. Cook about one to two minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and tent with foil to keep warm while you move on to the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet for Sauce
Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove any leftover bits of chicken or seasoning. This simple step prevents burning in the next stages and preps the pan for a smooth roux.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Melt unsalted butter in the cleaned skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk vigorously for one to two minutes until the mixture turns a lovely light brown and bubbles softly. This cooking step is crucial to develop flavor and eliminate the raw flour taste that no one wants in their cheese sauce.
Step 5: Add Warmed Milk
Remove the skillet from heat and slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. This careful technique prevents lumps from forming, setting you up for a beautifully smooth sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Cheese Sauce
Return the skillet to medium heat and keep whisking for three to five minutes as the sauce thickens into a creamy, luscious consistency. This step requires patience but rewards you with a luxurious base that coats every macaroni piece perfectly.
Step 7: Season the Sauce
Stir in salt, garlic powder, and two more tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning into the sauce. These seasonings elevate the cheesy base with layers of savory, aromatic notes. Remove the pan from heat promptly to avoid scorching.
Step 8: Add the Cheeses
Off the heat, fold in the freshly grated white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir gently until melted and smooth, creating a rich and velvety sauce that’s the heart of this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe.
Step 9: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Add your cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the sauce. Toss to ensure each noodle is generously coated with the cheesy goodness, setting the stage for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Season the macaroni and cheese to taste with salt and pepper. Then, layer on the cooked ranch-seasoned chicken pieces, sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon over the top, and finish with a bright garnish of chopped parsley. Serve immediately and watch this crowd-pleaser disappear!
How to Serve Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant green to contrast the creamy golden noodles, enhancing both appearance and freshness. Crumbled bacon isn’t just a garnish; it introduces texture and smoky flavor that complements the ranch and cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
To keep this meal well-rounded, simple side salads with crisp greens or roasted vegetables make excellent companions. Their fresh and slightly bitter notes cut through the richness, balancing your plate and palette effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or baked in small cast iron skillets. You can also top with extra cheese and broil briefly for a golden crust that adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days without sacrificing flavor or texture, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and use within two months for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the macaroni and cheese gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and revive that fresh-from-the-kitchen flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap in shells, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
Is there a substitute for dry ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can use a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. However, the pre-made ranch seasoning gives that signature flavor that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, try substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk, and choose a vegan cheese that melts well. Keep in mind the flavors will shift slightly, but it can still be delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is mild with a tangy zest from the ranch seasoning, not spicy hot. If you want a little kick, consider adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You might want to add hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower to keep it satisfying and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is one of those unforgettable dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and hits all the right notes between creamy, savory, and crunchy. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with those you love — it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, flavorful Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese combining tender ranch-seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, and a rich homemade cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
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
Pasta and Toppings
- 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, toss the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning until each piece is fully coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and cook 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 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 residue, preparing it for making the macaroni and cheese sauce.
- Make Roux: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour constantly for 1-2 minutes until the roux turns light brown and bubbles, eliminating the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Remove skillet from heat and slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups warmed whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Thicken Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent scorching.
- Add Cheese: Off the heat, add 1/2 cup white cheddar and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine with Pasta: Add 8 ounces cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Top with cooked ranch chicken pieces and crumbled bacon. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For creamier mac and cheese, use whole milk as specified.
- Cook bacon until crispy for optimal texture contrast.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for this dish.
- Make sure to warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps.
- Keep cooked chicken warm by tenting with foil while preparing the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute white cheddar with sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
