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User's avatarzhi24

Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Time25M
Yield8 Servings
Recipe of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese by zhi24

Ingredients

  • ranch chicken
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • 1 Package (~3 Tbsp) dry ranch seasoning
  • mac and cheese
  • 1/4 Cup butter, unsalted
  • 1/4 Cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 Cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 Tsp salt
  • 1/8 Tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp dry ranch seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 Cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 Oz (2 Cups uncooked) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
  • 4 Strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • parsley, chopped (garnish)

Steps

  1. Ranch Chicken: in a large mixing bowl, combine chicken and ranch seasoning, toss to coat evenly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook 1-2 mins on each side (or until golden brown and internal temp is 165F). Remove from heat and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  3. Wipe out the skillet to use for mac and cheese.
  4. Mac and cheese: in the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  5. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 mins (or until the mix turns light brown).
  6. Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
  7. Return the pan to the heat and whisk another 3-5 mins, or until thickened.
  8. Add the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combined and remove from heat.
  9. Add the cheese, stirring to melt.
  10. Pour the cooked noodles over the top of the sauce. Stir to combine.
  11. Season with salt and pepper, top with chicken, bacon and chopped parsley.
  12. TIP: just pile chicken and bacon into the mac and cheese! It wasn't as flavorful when combined; the cheesy mac drowns out the ranch chicken.