Are you looking for a comforting dish that’s quick to make and absolutely delicious? Look no further! My Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is a family favorite that combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of ranch seasoning and tender chicken. Let me share my recipe with you!
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: 10 minutes
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: 20 minutes
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: 4 servings
This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The ranch seasoning adds a zesty twist that makes each bite exciting. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup milk
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
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2 tablespoons butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and ranch seasoning mix until well combined. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese into bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for that extra comfort food vibe!
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some ideas:
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: Add in some frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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: Try mixing different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
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: Substitute chicken with cooked bacon or sausage for a different twist.
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: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
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Calories: Approximately 450
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 2g
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
You can make your own ranch seasoning using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them together to taste!
Definitely! Kids love mac and cheese, and adding chicken makes it even more appealing. The ranch flavor is usually a hit too!
