Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, where creamy pasta meets savory ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy bacon. Dive into a bowl of flavor with every bite! If you love hearty pasta dishes, make sure to check out our Marry Me Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Mac and Cheese Recipe
In the heart of the Midwest, ranch dressing reigns supreme! With homemade ranch seasoning mix and dressing, we’ve crafted a dish that celebrates the love for all things ranch. The marriage of ranch with tender chicken and cheesy pasta creates a dish that’s sure to satisfy any ranch enthusiast!
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Start by melting butter in a skillet, whisking in flour until golden. Slowly add warm milk, whisking until thickened. Season with salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Then, stir in a blend of grated cheeses until melted. Combine with cooked noodles and top with chicken, bacon, and parsley, season to taste and enjoy!
Can I Make This In Advance?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later! Let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Label and date for up to 3 months. When hunger strikes, thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning, homemade or store-bought
MACARONI & CHEESE
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning, homemade or store-bought
- ½ cup mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
CHICKEN
- Season chicken evenly with dry ranch seasoning.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook 3-5 minutes per side (or until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent foil to keep warm.
MACARONI & CHEESE
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly drizzle in the warm milk, whisking constantly for about 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.
- Add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, and top with the chicken, bacon, and chopped parsley.
