Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese

about the recipe

Learn how to make this creamy, cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese in just under an hour with this easy step-by-step recipe—it’s comfort food at its best! Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, ranch-seasoned cheese sauce for the ultimate indulgence. Made with a stovetop roux-based sauce and finished in the oven, every bite is loaded with flavor and gooey, melty goodness. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is a favorite at my house, and I think your family will love it, too.

INGREDIENTS

– 8 ounces bacon – 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast – 1 teaspoon sea salt – 16 ounces dried elbow noodles – 3 tablespoons butter – 3 tablespoons flour – 4 cups half and half – 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated, divided – 8 ounces cream cheese diced – 3 ½ tablespoons dry ranch seasoning 1 packet – ½ teaspoon sea salt – ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – 2 ounces shredded parmesan – For garnish: freshly ground black pepper parsley, crushed red pepper flakes

– Preheat the oven to 350°F. – Preheat a large skillet to medium heat.  Add the bacon, and cook until crispy.  Remove from the skillet. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.  Crumble.

– While the bacon cooks, season the chicken with salt.  Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook for 8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.  Allow to cool slightly, and dice.

– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Drain.

– Melt the butter in the skillet the bacon and chicken was cooked in over medium heat.  (You may need to let the skillet cool for a minute first.) Add the flour, and whisk for 3 minutes, until golden brown.

– Add the half and half, and bring to a simmer.  Stir in all but 1 cup of the cheddar and the cream cheese.  Turn the heat to low, and cook until the cheese melts.  Add the ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.

– Stir in the pasta and diced chicken and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.  Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon. – Bake for 25 minutes.  Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

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