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Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese

Course Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken-bacon-ranch-mac-and-cheese
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 987kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz regular or jumbo elbow macaroni cooked to al dente
  • 1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 6 tablespoon light or regular butter plus additional for the top
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 cups low fat 2 % or whole milk
  • 4 oz light or full fat chive and onion cream cheese softened
  • 5 cups shredded colby-jack cheese divided
  • 1 1.0 oz packet dry Ranch dressing seasoning
  • 3 cups roughly chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chopped chives

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Cook the macaroni in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well, pour into a mixing bowl and set aside.
  • While macaroni cooks, n a medium-size heavy bottomed saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
  • To the melted butter add flour, salt and black pepper. Mix until the flour has been absorbed by the butter stirring constantly.
  • Increase the temperature to medium-high and gradually whisk in the milk. Whisk constantly to prevent clumping. Bring to a boil then immediately lower the heat to low. Simmer for 3-5 minutes gently bubbling, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Turn off the heat. Add the cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted. 
  • Remove from the heat, add 3 cups shredded cheese and dry Ranch dressing. Stir until fully combined. Pour the sauce over the macaroni, chicken, bacon and 1 tablespoon chives. Mix until evenly coated. (Reserve 2 tablespoon or so of bacon crumbles for garnishing)
  • Pour ½ into baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded cheese. Repeat with macaroni then top with the final 1 cup of shredded cheese. Dot the top with 2 tablespoon butter.
  • Place into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
  • Serve immediately garnished with reserved bacon crumbles and chives.

Notes

Lighter dairy products work very well in this recipe. Light butter, low fat milk and cream cheese. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 987kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 1272mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1401IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 764mg | Iron: 2mg