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.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
- 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
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.
Keyword chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese, loaded mac and cheese, mac and cheese