Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac Recipe
Cheddar, mozzarella, chicken, bacon, ranch
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese
Protein & Toppings
Ranch Sauce & Seasoning
Method
Pasta & Cheese
- 1
Cook pasta and begin sauce
In a medium saucepan or deep skillet, bring 3 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Finish cheese sauce
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1.5 cups whole milk and 2 oz softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and a creamy sauce forms. If sauce is too thin, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon flour while stirring and cook 1–2 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Protein & Toppings
- 3
Prepare chicken and bacon
If you don't have pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast 2 small boneless chicken breasts: place in simmering water or broth for 12–15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then shred or dice. Cook 6 bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, then drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons chopped bacon for topping if you want extra garnish.
- 4
Combine protein with pasta
Stir the 2 cups diced/shredded cooked chicken and most of the chopped bacon (reserve garnish) into the pasta-cheese mixture until evenly distributed and heated through (2–3 minutes).
Ranch Sauce & Seasoning
- 5
Add ranch flavor
Stir 3 tablespoons ranch dressing into the mac and cheese, along with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Mix thoroughly and simmer on low 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired (more ranch for tang, more salt/pepper to taste).
- 6
Finish and garnish
Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish or keep in the pan. Top with reserved chopped bacon and 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions. If you prefer a baked top, transfer to a greased 8-inch baking dish, sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, and broil 2–3 minutes until golden—watch carefully to avoid burning.