Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese 

This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is a rich, creamy pasta dish brimming with the tangy flavor of ranch seasoning. Tender cubes of ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy crumbled bacon are piled atop cheesy elbow macaroni, making each bite bursting with bold, savory flavors. Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish brings comfort-food goodness that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, and you can even prepare it ahead and freeze individual portions for easy reheats. 

Ingredients

Ranch Chicken:
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 boneless skin-less chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 package (≈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 freshly grated white cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 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)

Directions

Ranch Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with the ranch seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken in batches, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. 

Macaroni & Cheese:
Wipe out the skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in warm milk. Return to heat and whisk until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning, then remove from heat. Add cheeses and stir until melted. Add cooked macaroni and stir to coat. Top with the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrients (per serving; 8 servings total)

• Calories: 556 kcal
• Protein: ~25 g (estimate based on chicken, milk, cheese)
• Total Fat: ~28 g (includes butter, cheese, bacon)
• Saturated Fat: ~14 g
• Carbohydrates: ~45 g (mostly from pasta and milk)
• Dietary Fiber: ~1 g
• Sugars: ~6 g (from milk)
• Cholesterol: ~110 mg (from chicken, milk, cheese, butter)
• Sodium: ~650 mg (seasoning, cheese, bacon)
• Calcium: ~200 mg (from dairy)
• Iron: ~1 mg (from pasta and chicken)
• Vitamin A: ~800 IU (from butter and cheese)
• Vitamin C: ~0 mg (minimal in ingredients)