Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

April 09, 2021

As you may have noticed, I didn't cook a lot this week. I have recipes all ready to go but my guess is I won't be making them until next week so hopefully that means more recipes for you soon! Sorry about the shortage this week :) This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese was SO good. We had this last night for dinner. I changed a few things including measurements, I used more macaroni shells and less chicken breasts and ranch seasoning than the original recipe HERE. I also replaced the mozzarella cheese with cheddar cheese (I totally thought we had mozzarella cheese but I guess it got eaten). It makes a lot so we had PLENTY of leftovers. If you enjoy this recipe, let me know in the comments below!

Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
.25oz dry ranch seasoning
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk, warmed
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
.25oz dry ranch seasoning
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, cut into chunks
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
12oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl combine chicken and .25oz of ranch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in one layer. Cook 2-4 minutes on each side.

Remove from heat and cover with foil to keep warm.

Wipe out skillet. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. While the butter is melting, cook the pasta al dente, about 5-6 minutes, stirring often. Also, cook bacon over medium heat and crumble once warm. Once butter is melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture turns brown. Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk whisking constantly. I put the milk in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Return the pan to the heat and whisk 1-2 minutes more until thick.