Get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food: Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese! This cozy bake brings together juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and the irresistible zing of ranch seasoning, all wrapped around perfectly tender macaroni. Topped with a buttery crunch and a shower of fresh parsley, every bite is pure, feel-good bliss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a potluck, this dish is an easy, unforgettable crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is how it transforms simple, everyday staples into a show-stopping casserole. Each ingredient plays a key role, adding creamy richness, bold flavor, or a crunchy finish that makes the whole dish sing.
- Elbow macaroni (12 oz): The classic shape for soaking up creamy sauces, ensuring every forkful is perfectly coated.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for a rich base and for getting that golden, bubbly top.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This helps create a velvety roux that thickens the cheesy sauce beautifully.
- Whole milk (2 cups): The foundation of the sauce, adding body and a subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers that irresistible creaminess and richness we crave.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet, about 1 oz): The star flavor, infusing the mac and cheese with savory, herby goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Brings bold, classic cheddar flavor and that gooey, melted texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds stretch and extra creaminess for ultimate cheese pulls.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed): Use rotisserie for convenience; it soaks up the ranch and cheese flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle, balancing heat to the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses depth and savory umami to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty boost and beautiful browning.
- Crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The crunchy topping that everyone loves.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Helps the topping crisp up to golden perfection in the oven.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and brightness just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—you want the noodles tender but still with a little bite, as they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain well and set aside. This ensures your Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese isn’t mushy, and the sauce clings to every curve.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for a minute to make a smooth roux—this prevents lumps in the finished sauce. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is silky and thick. Now, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes, so that every spoonful will be rich and loaded with those classic ranch flavors.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. They’ll melt into the warm sauce, creating a blend that’s luscious and gooey. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The cheese mix is what turns this from a regular mac and cheese into the unforgettable Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Macaroni
Fold the cooked chicken and drained macaroni right into your cheesy ranch sauce. Give everything a good stir so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. Every noodle should be blanketed in creamy goodness, and the chicken will absorb all those flavors. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. This trio creates an irresistible golden crust. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over your cheesy pasta to guarantee a bite of crunch with every forkful.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until it’s bubbling hot and the top is crispy and golden. For a pop of color and freshness, scatter chopped parsley over the top before serving. Now you’re ready to enjoy the magic of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, piping hot from the oven!
How to Serve Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even chives just before serving brightens the plate and highlights the ranch flavors. For extra flair, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few crumbled bacon bits. These finishing touches bring out the best in your Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich, creamy casserole with something crisp and fresh—think a big green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some steamed broccoli or green beans for extra color. Garlic bread is another classic side that works perfectly for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or casual gatherings, serve Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal portions. You can even spoon it into bread bowls or stuff halved peppers for a fun twist. It also makes a savory filling for stuffed baked potatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day slice just as tasty. Keep the crunchy topping as crisp as possible by loosely covering the dish rather than sealing it tightly.
Freezing
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese freezes surprisingly well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in individual portions so you can thaw just what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 15–20 minutes for a big slice. You can also microwave individual servings, but the topping won’t be as crisp. A quick trip under the broiler at the end brings the crunch back.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes besides elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese, shells, rotini, or penne all work well and do a great job of soaking up the cheesy sauce.
What type Main Course
Rotisserie chicken is a total time-saver and has fantastic flavor, but any cooked, shredded or cubed chicken will do. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken is a great way to add a personal touch.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Swap in low-fat milk, reduced fat cheese, and even light cream cheese for some of the cream to cut down on calories. You can also add steamed veggies like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Can I make Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and add a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure it’s hot and bubbly.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. For the topping, gluten-free panko works beautifully and keeps all the crispy, cheesy goodness intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bound to make everyone at the table smile, give this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese a try. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch flavor—true comfort in a casserole dish. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and there won’t be a crumb left!
Print
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a rich, ranch-infused cheese sauce, baked to perfection with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, add milk, cream, ranch seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, chicken, and macaroni.
- Prepare Topping: Combine crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
- Bake: Pour mixture into baking dish, top with cracker mixture, and bake until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Try adding steamed broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
