The Best Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Ever Made

Creamy chicken ranch macaroni and cheese brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

comfort meets excitement in this kitchen adventure that promises to satisfy your deepest cravings.

cheese lovers will adore the rich, tangy blend of flavors dancing across their taste buds.

ranch seasoning adds a bold twist that elevates this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tender chicken pieces mingle perfectly with al dente pasta, creating a harmonious meal everyone will devour.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this simple yet mouthwatering recipe.

You’ll want to make extra because everyone will be asking for seconds of this irresistible dish.

Ranch Mac and Cheese That’s Creamy, Cheesy, and Filling

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: This chicken ranch mac and cheese whips up in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious, stress-free dinner solutions.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins like ground beef or turkey, or add extra veggies to boost nutrition and personalize the meal to everyone's taste preferences.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing, creamy masterpiece that saves time and reduces dish washing.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the tangy ranch twist on classic mac and cheese, making it a guaranteed hit for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.

Mac & Cheese Gets a Twist – What You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken for easier preparation.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings to enhance chicken's natural taste. Choose fresh ground pepper and granulated garlic for best results.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for capturing creamy sauce. Select elbow macaroni or similar short pasta with good sauce-holding capabilities.

• Butter, Flour: Creates a smooth roux as the sauce's foundational thickener. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Milk: Provides creamy base for cheese sauce. Whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds tangy, herbal flavor profile to the cheese sauce. Choose a high-quality, creamy ranch for best results.
• Shredded Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly to create rich, velvety sauce. Mix different cheese varieties for complex flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken with perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adds color and light herbal note.

Ranch Mac & Cheese Comfort Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and reaches a perfect internal temperature.

Let the chicken rest for a few moments, then slice it into delightful bite-sized pieces that will blend beautifully with the pasta.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and add the macaroni.

Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta, but save a small amount of pasta water for later – this liquid gold can help adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Ranch Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter until it becomes smooth and bubbly.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously to create a silky roux.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Stir in ranch dressing for an extra flavor kick.

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxuriously smooth sauce.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Combine the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy ranch cheese sauce.

Stir gently to ensure every piece is coated with the delicious sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Macaroni Tips for Chicken Ranch Comfort Meals

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to thin or adjust the cheese sauce texture without losing richness.
• Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy sauce.
• Experiment with different ranch dressing styles like spicy, buttermilk, or homemade to create unique taste variations.
• Prepare chicken and cheese sauce ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly.

Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed mac and cheese will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent sauce from becoming dry or separated.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add small amount of milk if needed to maintain sauce texture.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Frozen mac and cheese might slightly change texture but remains tasty when warmed carefully.

Mac and Cheese Pairing Options

Perfect Food and Drink Pairings

• Crisp Salad Companion: Toss a light, tangy mixed green salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Zesty Wine Match: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the cheesy richness and complement the ranch flavor.
• Crunchy Side Kick: Serve with garlic bread or herbed breadcrumbs to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
• Fresh Veggie Contrast: Roast seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to provide a healthy, light counterpoint to the indulgent pasta dish.

Ranch Mac and Cheese Pasta Variants

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free macaroni and check ranch dressing for gluten content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan ranch dressing.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Swap macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese for richness.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled portobello mushrooms. Keep the creamy ranch cheese sauce for a satisfying meat-free meal.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly, absorb seasonings well, and provide lean protein without extra fat.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can save time. Just shred or slice and add to the cheese sauce at the end.

• Is ranch dressing necessary for the flavor profile?

Ranch dressing adds tangy, herby notes that elevate the classic mac and cheese. If you don’t have ranch, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with dried herbs.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add vegetables like steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas directly into the mac and cheese. This boosts nutrition and adds color to the dish without changing the core recipe.

Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this chicken ranch macaroni and cheese, blending hearty proteins with zesty ranch seasoning. Cheesy, creamy goodness awaits you, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese and Sauce Components:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken with aromatic seasonings, creating a flavor base that will elevate the entire dish.
2. Sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender.
3. Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly, then slice into delectable bite-sized morsels that will distribute perfectly throughout the macaroni.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, creating the ideal environment for cooking the pasta to al dente perfection.
5. Drain the macaroni thoroughly, preserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid that can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
6. Create a velvety roux in the same skillet by melting butter and whisking in flour, developing a rich foundation for the creamy sauce.
7. Slowly introduce milk to the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a smooth, silky base.
8. Infuse the sauce with tangy ranch dressing, then gently fold in a blend of melted cheeses until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.
9. Incorporate the sliced chicken and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the decadent mixture.
10. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed, creating a perfectly creamy texture.
11. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and subtle herbaceous note, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize chicken seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun, Italian, or herbes de Provence for varied flavor profiles.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a quick time-saving alternative when short on cooking time or wanting a faster meal preparation.
• Consider gluten-free modifications by replacing regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or use Greek yogurt instead of some cheese to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg