CHICKEN RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE

Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is a pile of ranch-seasoned cheesy elbow macaroni topped with ranch seasoned chicken and crumbled bacon. You are sure to get ranch flavor in every bite of this pasta dish! Be sure to check out my Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells for another flavorful chicken and pasta dish.

CHICKEN RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
Here in the Midwest, we love our ranch dressing! In fact, I have my own homemade ranch seasoning mix that would work perfectly in this recipe, as well as a homemade ranch dressing. The ranch flavor pairs perfectly with chicken, and when added to the cheesy pasta, it’s a dish that ranch-lovers will love!

CHICKEN RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE
There are two parts to this recipe–the seasoned chicken and the macaroni and cheese.

You will want to make sure you have your pasta cooked al dente and drained, as well as your bacon cooked and crumbled ahead of time.

PRO TIP: I prefer to NOT mix the chicken & bacon into the macaroni and cheese. I tested this recipe several times by adding all ingredients together and found that it wasn’t as flavorful, the cheesy macaroni drowns out that fabulous ranch chicken. I highly recommend serving as shown and allowing the family to mix ingredients in their bowl should they prefer that method.

Ingredients

Ranch Chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 package (about 3 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning

Macaroni and Cheese

• 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
• 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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
2. 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.
3. Wipe out the skillet to use for the macaroni and cheese.

Macaroni and Cheese

1. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
3. Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
4. Return the pan to the heat and whisk another 3-5 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Add the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
6. Add the cheeses, stirring to melt.
7. Pour the cooked noodles over the top of the sauce. Stir to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper, and top with the chicken, bacon, and chopped parsley.