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Table of Contents
If you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese delivers everything you want in one dish.
Why Make This Recipe
This mac and cheese is not your typical version. It’s loaded with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning for a flavor-packed meal. The rich cheese sauce blends sharp cheddar and mozzarella, making each bite creamy and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (packet or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Fold in the pasta, chicken, and most of the bacon (save some for topping).
- Finish: Garnish with the remaining bacon and green onions.
- Optional Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use cavatappi pasta for a fun twist and better sauce cling.
- Make homemade ranch seasoning for more control over flavor.
- Stir continuously while making the roux to prevent lumps.
Variations
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Add broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Use smoked gouda for a richer cheese flavor.
What to Serve It With
- Garlic bread
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans
Storage Tips
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Quantity Suggestions for Family Gatherings
Double the recipe to serve 8–10 people easily.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese
A rich, creamy mac and cheese loaded with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning packet or homemade
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in the pasta, chicken, and most of the bacon (save some for topping).
- Garnish with the remaining bacon and green onions.
- Optional Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
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