Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese takes classic comfort food to a whole new level! Loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and savory hints of ranch seasoning, it turns a family-favorite side dish into a hearty, one-dish meal. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs goodness that’s sure to have everybody coming back for seconds!

Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Recipe

I can’t imagine anybody batting an eye at our house if macaroni and cheese showed up on the supper table every single day! From smoky bacon macaroni and cheese muffins to indulgent jumbo lump crab macaroni and cheese and good ole Southern-style macaroni and cheese, there’s always room for another version of this beloved comfort food.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese takes things a step further by combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and savory ranch flavor into one hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a delicious way to turn a family favorite into a supper that’ll have everybody coming back for seconds. Since it’s plenty filling on its own, you don’t need much to round out the menu. Serve it alongside a crisp, fresh wedge salad and a basket of warm Dutch oven sourdough bread for a comforting meal that’s sure to please around the family table.

Key ingredients to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Pasta – One pound regular or jumbo elbow macaroni.
• Chicken – Rotisserie chicken makes for quick assembly.
• Bacon – Crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese – Shredded colby jack cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
• Butter – Salted butter or unsalted butter to make the roux for the cheese sauce.
• Flour – All purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
• Spices – Garlic salt, black pepper and one packet ranch seasoning.
• Herbs – Fresh chives for color and mild onion flavor.
• Liquid – Whole milk to make the sauce.
• Cream Cheese – Softened Chive and onion cream cheese gives the sauce a silky texture.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish – Preheat the oven and liberally spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Cook Pasta – Boil the macaroni in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well, pour into a mixing bowl and set aside.
• Make Cheese Sauce – Melt butter then add add flour ans seasonings. Stir until the flour has been absorbed by the butter.
• Add Milk – Gradually whisk in the milk. Whisk constantly to prevent clumping. Simmer gently bubbling, until thickened.
• Cheese, Cream Cheese and Ranch Seasoning – Turn off the heat. Add the cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted, then add shredded cheese and ranch seasoning.
• Combine – Pour sauce over the macaroni. Add chicken, bacon and chives. Mix until evenly coated.
• Transfer to Prepared Dish – Pour 1/2 into baking dish. Top with shredded cheese. Repeat with macaroni then top with shredded cheese. Dot the top with butter.
• Oven – Place into the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
• Serve immediately garnished with reserved bacon crumbles and chives.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Pasta pot.
• Large skillet.
• Cheese grater.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• 13×9-inch baking dish.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pasta – I make this dish with jumbo elbow macaroni with ridges that really clings to the sauce. You can adapt using classic elbow macaroni, penne regatta, cavatappi or rigatoni.
• Chicken – You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, poached chicken or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Think fully cooked chicken.
• Cheese – You can add a little kick to this dish by using shredded pepper jack cheese in place of mild colby jack cheese. You could also use sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or any combination of cheese that you enjoy. You might also enjoy sprinkling the top with Parmesan cheese.
• Cream Cheese – No chive and onion cream cheese? You can use the same amount of plain cream cheese. Just make sure it’s room temperature so it will melt fully.
• Herbs – You could use parsley in place of chives.
• Serving Options – Serve with a salad, garlic bread, steamed broccoli or peas.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store baked Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese covered with plastic wrap, aluminum foil or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a preheated 350°F oven with foil on top for 20-25 minutes.
• Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving,

More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes to Make

• Twisted Macaroni and Cheese uses twisted pasta for a fun take on this classic.
• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Pie can be served as an entree or a side dish.
• The kids will love these Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Muffins.
• Crab Macaroni and Cheese will turn any occasion onto something special.
• Easy Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese.
• Impress the family with this Lobster Mac and Cheese.
• Skip the oven and make this Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese instead.
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese from Southern Living.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13 x 9 inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives