Chicken Bacon & Ranch Mac and Cheese is loaded with diced chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and 3 types of cheese. Supremely cheesy and creamy!
This mac and cheese is best served as a main dish. It’s a comfort food meal that’s wonderfully filling. Ranch seasoning takes this mac and cheese casserole to a whole new level of flavor. If you are a fan of the flavor of ranch, you are going to lovr the way it perfectly seasons this mac and cheese.
A combination of whole milk and half-and-half makes this mac and cheese ultra creamy. A packet of Ranch seasoning perfectly seasons it, giving it a distinct ranch flavor, without being overwhelming. If you are as big a fan of anything ranch as I am, you are going to love this recipe.
Chicken Bacon and Ranch Mac & Cheese Recipe Tips
- If you want to make this dish spicy, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- I use elbow pasta, but pretty much any pasta shape can be used. Rotini, shells, penne, and cavatappi also work well.
- This mac and cheese is best eaten the day it is made but leftovers will keep for 4 days refrigerated.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will cook more in the oven and absorb some of the sauce. You don’t want it to get soggy.
- I use 3 cups of diced, cooked chicken and rotisserie chicken works great or it is a good way to use up leftover chicken. You can definitely make this recipe with less than 3 cups of chicken without sacrificing any flavor.
Varaiations
- Use leftover cooked turkey in place of chicken.
- Make it spicy. Add a diced jalapeno pepper or half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
How To Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you find yourself with leftovers, they will keep in an airtight container for 4 days and can be reheated in a microwave.
Try These Other Amazing Mac and Cheese Recipes
- Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
- Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
- Bourbon and Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Bufflalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Super Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Crab Mac and Cheese
- King Ranch Mac and Cheese
Chicken Bacon & Ranch Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teapsoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teapsoon pepper
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain.Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- While pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan.Add flour and cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk. Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes.
- Add garlic powder, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken and half the bacon and stir to combine.Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining bacon the green onions and the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Want to Save This Recipe?
Originally posted July 15, 2020.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
I wish I could include some images. So delicious!
This recipe is the bomb! I wish I could add some pictures. So del8ciuos!
My family and I loved this recipe! I used pre-cooked chicken strips to make life a little easier. I think next time I make it, I will add some veggies to it to make it a little healthier.