Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese—a creamy blend of ranch, chicken, 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 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.