Get ready to meet your new comfort food obsession: Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with two types of melty cheese plus juicy chicken, this dish checks every box for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a crave-worthy weekend treat. The tangy ranch seasoning gives the classic mac and cheese vibe a playful twist, and every bite is laced with cheesy goodness and savory chicken. With a short ingredient list and a quick stovetop method, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese comes from uncomplicated, everyday staples that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient is there for a reason, whether it’s boosting creaminess, infusing that signature ranch tang, or making every forkful perfectly satisfying.
- Elbow macaroni (12 oz): These little tubes soak up all the creamy sauce—feel free to use your favorite short pasta shape if you’d like a twist.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): This is the base for the sauce and brings rich, irresistible flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the cheese sauce, ensuring it clings lovingly to every piece of pasta.
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk works best for extra creaminess, but 2% does the trick too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings tang and body, making the sauce bold and classic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds that beloved stretchy, melty texture we all crave in mac and cheese.
- Cream cheese, softened (½ cup): For cloud-like smoothness and a hint of tang, this is your secret weapon.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 oz packet): The flavor-booster that defines this dish—nothing beats that herby, zesty punch!
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a timesaver, but any cooked, juicy chicken works perfectly.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle savory depth that complements all the cheesy, ranch flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, especially the cheeses.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): For a burst of color and fresh bite as a garnish.
How to Make Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it just until al dente—soft with a bit of bite left. Remember, it’ll soak up more sauce later. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. This step sets the foundation for every cheesy, ranch-laced bite to come!
Step 2: Build the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let them cook together for about a minute, until the mixture is golden and smells a touch nutty. This roux is your ticket to a lusciously thick and creamy sauce, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Whisk in the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking—this keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free. Continue whisking and let it cook for around 3 to 5 minutes, until it begins to thicken. You want to see the sauce start to gently coat the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Season and Melt
Now let’s bring in the flavor bomb: stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Add the cream cheese and keep stirring as it fully melts, turning the sauce irresistibly creamy and tangy.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low, then add in your shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until every last bit is melted and the sauce is silky smooth. The mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives that perfect balance of flavor and gooey texture.
Step 6: Stir in the Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked shredded chicken and your cooked macaroni into the sauce. Stir everything together over low heat, making sure each noodle is coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. The Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is now bubbling with flavor and ready for the finishing touch!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you love a little pop of color and freshness, sprinkle those chopped green onions over the top just before serving. They’ll make your Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese look as fabulous as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Garnishes
For a bright, finishing touch, a shower of sliced green onions works wonders. Crumbled crispy bacon or a dusting of extra cheddar gives your Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese a delicious upgrade. You could even add a swirl of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
The creamy richness of this dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp side salad—think mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli or garlic bread straight from the oven also makes the perfect accompaniments, soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce and rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really impress? Try serving Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese in individual ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and broiled for a minute or two, so each serving gets its own golden crust. Or, spoon it into a bread bowl for a fun, edible twist that kids and grownups will both love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer your Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to three days, making lunchtime a breeze.
Freezing
While nothing beats this dish straight from the pan, Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese can be frozen too! Let it cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months, making it a practical make-ahead meal for those marathon weeks.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a repeat performance, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to help restore that dreamy creaminess. Give it a stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly, and garnish just before serving for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, shells, penne, rotini, or even cavatappi make excellent swaps and hold onto the cheesy ranch sauce beautifully.
What’s the best chicken to use for Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese?
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is hands-down the quickest option, but any cooked boneless chicken—grilled, baked, or leftover—works great. Just be sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Can I add veggies or extra mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or even some chopped bell pepper for color and nutrition. Bacon bits are another favorite—just toss them in with the chicken for extra smoky flavor.
How do I make it gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour in the roux. Double-check the ranch seasoning packet, too, to make sure it’s gluten-free.
Can I bake Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese instead of serving it stovetop?
Yes! Pour everything into a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. It adds a wonderful crusty texture and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese brings together everything you love about a hearty meal—cheesiness, tang, and comfort in every scoop. If you’re looking for a new twist on the classic, bookmark this recipe and share it with the people you adore. Grab those simple ingredients and dive into the creamy, ranch-packed goodness—your dinner table is about to get a whole lot cozier!
Print
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese. This stovetop mac and cheese dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and zesty ranch seasoning.
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni:
12 oz,
Butter:
2 tablespoons,
All-Purpose Flour:
2 tablespoons,
Milk:
2 cups,
Cheddar Cheese (shredded):
1 cup,
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded):
1 cup,
Cream Cheese (softened):
½ cup,
Ranch Seasoning Mix:
1 packet (1 oz),
Cooked Shredded Chicken:
2 cups,
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon,
Black Pepper:
½ teaspoon,
Salt:
¼ teaspoon,
Chopped Green Onions (optional):
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, then season with ranch mix, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Mix in cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then add chicken and cooked pasta, heating through.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli or bacon bits.
- For a baked version, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
