Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? Get ready to dive into the most irresistible mac and cheese recipe that combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the tangy, bold flavors of ranch and tender chicken. This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - it's a game-changing dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and thirds)! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that perfectly balances cheesy goodness, zesty ranch, and protein-packed chicken.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of ranch dressing, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the shredded cooked chicken, ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the cheese sauce is smooth, add the drained macaroni back into the pot. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- (Optional) For a crispy topping, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the macaroni and cheese before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Chicken Ranch Mac n Cheese warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the smoothest, most melty sauce
- Cook your macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken before shredding
- If you want a crispier top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and become creamy
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some monterey jack or pepper jack for more complexity
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of some of the ranch dressing
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
