Prepare to revolutionize your dinner game with the most mouth-watering, irresistible mac n cheese you've ever tasted! This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the creamy comfort of classic mac n cheese with the bold, tangy punch of ranch and the crispy, savory magic of bacon and chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a crowd-pleasing meal that'll have everyone begging for seconds, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac n Cheese is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 300g elbow macaroni
- 200g cooked chicken, shredded
- 150g bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- In the same skillet, if needed, add shredded chicken and warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, ranch dressing, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Bacon Brilliance: Cook your bacon until it's perfectly crisp. The crunchier, the better! Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease and ensure maximum crispiness.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce.
- Al Dente is Key: Don't overcook your pasta! It'll continue cooking in the oven, so aim for a slightly firm texture when boiling.
- Ranch Hack: For an extra flavor boost, use a mix of homemade or high-quality ranch dressing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Garnish Game: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 566kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
