Cozy Chicken Ranch Macaroni And Cheese Recipe For Dinner

Have you ever dreamed about a creamy chicken ranch macaroni and cheese that could instantly spark dinner table excitement?

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering fusion of classic ingredients.

Zesty ranch seasoning adds an unexpected twist to traditional mac and cheese.

Tender chicken pieces create delightful protein-packed bites throughout each cheesy forkful.

Simple ingredients combine to make something extraordinary that feels both familiar and innovative.

Rich, velvety sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta with irresistible flavor.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

FAQs

• What kind of ranch seasoning works best for this recipe?

Use a dry ranch seasoning mix from the packet, which provides consistent flavor and is easily found in most grocery stores. Brands like Hidden Valley or McCormick work perfectly for coating the chicken and adding depth to the cheese sauce.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while the recipe calls for traditional macaroni, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy cheese sauce well and cook it according to package instructions.

• Is it necessary to use multiple types of cheese?

Using a blend of cheeses creates a richer, more complex flavor profile. Sharp cheddar provides tang, while monterey jack or mozzarella adds creaminess. The combination ensures a more interesting and delicious mac and cheese experience compared to using just one cheese type.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

Cook the chicken in batches over medium-high heat, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Use a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F internally, and let it rest tented with foil after cooking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Why Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese Is a Winner

• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Packed with ranch seasoning, creamy cheese, and crispy chicken, this dish delivers an incredible taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Adaptable for quick weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food masterpiece.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses just one skillet, making cooking and washing up a breeze for busy home cooks.

What You’ll Need for Ranch Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein for the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat topping.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and rich cheese base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese addition.
• Milk: Smooth and rich liquid for sauce.
• Butter: Rich and smooth sauce starter.

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta shape for comfort food.

• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty and herbal flavor enhancer.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic and savory seasoning.
• Salt: Essential flavor booster.
• Black Pepper: Warm and slightly spicy seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh herb topping.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for smooth sauce.
• Olive Oil: Light cooking oil for searing chicken.

Steps for Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Grab a mixing bowl and sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken pieces.

Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring every bit gets coated with delicious ranch goodness.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot skillet, cooking each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create Velvety Cheese Sauce

Clean the skillet and return it to the stove.

Melt butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and bubbling.

Step 4: Build the Roux Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly.

Keep stirring until the mixture turns a light golden brown, creating a rich base for your sauce.

Step 5: Transform Sauce to Creamy Goodness

Remove skillet from heat and slowly pour in warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Return to heat and keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Enhance Sauce with Flavor Boosters

• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Ranch seasoning

Step 7: Melt Cheese Magic

Add cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated into a luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every noodle with creamy deliciousness.

Step 9: Final Touches and Serving

• Cooked chicken
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped fresh parsley

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Tips for Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta

• Cook chicken in small batches to ensure each piece gets golden brown and crispy edges without overcrowding the skillet.
• Keep whisking the flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent burning and create a smooth, even roux for the sauce.
• Use warm milk when adding to the roux to help prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy cheese sauce.
• Remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of milk to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

What to Serve with Ranch Mac and Cheese

• Savor Ranch-Infused Flavor Companions
• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the creamy ranch chicken mac and cheese, cutting through its rich cheesy texture with elegant acidity.
• Select Tangy Farmhouse Ale: Hoppy, slightly sour craft beer provides a perfect counterpoint to the dish's creamy, savory profile, enhancing the ranch and chicken flavors.
• Match Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp, cool side dish balances the warm, cheesy mac and cheese, adding refreshing brightness and lightening the overall meal experience.
• Serve Fresh Garlic Bread: Crunchy, herb-infused bread offers delightful textural contrast, soaking up extra cheese sauce while providing a complementary garlic undertone.

Flavor Twists on Ranch Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Ranch Mac and Cheese: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu cubes, maintaining the ranch seasoning flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Ranch Mac and Cheese: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy ranch essence.
• Dairy-Free Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese: Use coconut milk, cashew cream, or plant-based cheese alternatives to accommodate dairy-sensitive individuals while preserving the ranch-style taste.

Chicken Ranch Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken ranch macaroni and cheese brings hearty midwest flavors to your dinner table. Rich, creamy sauce embraces tender pasta and juicy chicken, delivering a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ranch-seasoned chicken by thoroughly coating it in the spice blend, ensuring even coverage.
2. Sear the chicken in a sizzling skillet with olive oil, cooking each side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-covered plate to retain warmth and moisture.
4. Clean the skillet to create a fresh surface for the cheese sauce.
5. Melt butter in the skillet, creating a smooth base for the roux.
6. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a light caramel-colored paste.
7. Gradually stream warm milk into the roux, maintaining a constant whisking motion to prevent lumps.
8. Simmer the sauce, stirring consistently until it thickens and reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
9. Infuse the sauce with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
10. Incorporate the cheeses, gently folding until they melt into a creamy, smooth sauce.
11. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is generously coated.
12. Layer the ranch-seasoned chicken atop the mac and cheese.
13. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley for added texture and flavor.
14. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Notes

• Prevent clumping by gradually adding milk while whisking consistently to create a smooth, silky cheese sauce.
• Ensure chicken reaches perfect doneness by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make meat tough.
• Toast flour briefly to eliminate raw flour taste and develop rich, nutty undertones in the sauce, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyère to customize the dish’s taste profile and add depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg