Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight

Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the rich flavors of tender chicken with the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, creating a mouthwatering experience that is both satisfying and indulgent. Originating from the American South, mac and cheese has long been a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, but the addition of ranch dressing elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

People love Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese not only for its incredible taste but also for its creamy texture that perfectly coats each pasta shell. The convenience of this dish makes it a favorite among busy families, as it can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the cheese sauce adhere.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be bubbly and slightly golden.
3. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
6. Stir in the ranch dressing until fully incorporated into the cheese sauce.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it is well distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
3. At this point, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Preparing the Topping (Optional)

1. If you prefer a crunchy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
3. Set aside the breadcrumb mixture for later use.

Baking the Dish

1. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serving the Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese

1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
3. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese!

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
3. If you prefer to reheat in the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the zesty ranch flavor creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a cozy meal for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider topping your Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese for that perfect finishing touch. You can also experiment with variations by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a nutritious twist, or swapping out the chicken for shredded turkey or even a vegetarian protein option. We encourage you to try this Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese recipe and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add to the dish. Your feedback and photos can inspire others to dive into this delightful recipe. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy a creamy and flavorful Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese, featuring tender chicken, rich cheeses, and a hint of ranch dressing. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound elbow macaroni
   • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
   • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
   • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
   • 4 cups whole milk
   • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat.
   2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
   3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the cheese sauce adhere.
   4. In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.
   5. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be bubbly and slightly golden.
   6. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
   7. Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   8. Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
   9. Stir in the ranch dressing until fully incorporated into the cheese sauce.
   10. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
   11. Fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it is well distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
   12. At this point, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   13. If you prefer a crunchy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   14. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
   15. Set aside the breadcrumb mixture for later use.
   16. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   17. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
   18. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
   19. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
   20. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
   21. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese!

   Notes

   • For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
   • This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes