Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave a hearty, cheesy meal with a twist.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet, crumble it, and set it aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If you haven’t already, cook the chicken in the skillet with the reserved bacon fat until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste (this is your roux).
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the ranch seasoning mix and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well coated.
- Bake (Optional):
- For an extra crispy finish, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Top with a little extra shredded cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and savory delight!
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!