Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients Breakdown

Ranch Chicken

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

Macaroni and Cheese

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
• ½ cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz (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)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ranch Chicken:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ranch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Mac and Cheese:
   Wipe out the skillet to use for the sauce. Melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture turns light brown.

4. Add the Milk:
   Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Return to heat and continue whisking for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5. Season the Sauce:
   Stir in the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Remove from heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.

6. Combine with Noodles:
   Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the noodles evenly.

7. Assemble the Dish:
   Season the macaroni with salt and pepper. Top with the ranch chicken, crumbled bacon, and chopped parsley.

8. Serve:
   Serve the mac and cheese as is or allow everyone to mix the chicken and bacon into their bowls.

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Pro Tips

• Don’t Mix Everything Together: I recommend not mixing the chicken and bacon into the macaroni and cheese. Instead, serve them on top. The chicken's ranch flavor shines better this way, and it allows for more texture contrast.
• Creamier Sauce: For an extra creamy texture, use heavy cream instead of milk or a mix of both.
• Customize the Bacon: You can add extra crispy bacon for more crunch or use pancetta for a different flavor.

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Perfect Pairings

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Drink: A cold iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer complements the rich flavors perfectly.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out. Keep an eye on the internal temperature.
• Skipping the Resting Time for Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest under foil to keep it juicy.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and mac and cheese ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! The mac and cheese can be frozen (without the chicken on top) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, adding the chicken after it's heated through.

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Final Thoughts

This Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and savory comfort dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. The ranch-seasoned chicken paired with crispy bacon and creamy cheese sauce makes this a hearty and delicious meal you won’t want to miss!