Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese

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Two things that aren't bad together: ranch and cheese. Okay, they're actually pretty darn good when paired together. This quick Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese recipe is packed with flavor and so easy to whip up.

white bowl filled with chicken ranch mac n cheese with a silver spoon on a stone background.

Table of Contents

About this Mac
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make This Recipe
Recipe FAQs
More Recipes You'll Love
Recipe

About this Mac

Mac and Cheese always feels nostalgic to me. It was always a quick and easy go-to meal growing up, but it always came from a box. Now I'm not hating on boxed macaroni, but it's about time I elevate it.

This Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese takes the simple dish to a whole new level. A ranch seasoning packet provides TONS of flavor, and with melted sharp cheddar, we get a creamy cheese sauce to smother the elbow noodles with.

I almost always have 4-6 ranch seasoning packets on hand, just because they're so versatile in the kitchen. Jack and I enjoyed this Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese when we were craving take-out, but settled for 'let's use what we have in the fridge'. Alas, this gem of a meal was created

If you're all about the cheese also try this Butternut Squash Mac, this Lighter Mac and Cheese, this Gouda Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies, or this Baked Feta Cheese Spaghetti Squash Casserole.

Recipe Ingredients

flat lay of all ingredients needed for chicken ranch mac and cheese. — Ingredients Needed

Banza noodles: Regular noodles will also work, but I like Banza chickpea noodles for the extra protein. Choose shells or elbow noodles for the classic mac 'n cheese look.
Chicken breasts: I cooked mine stove top, but you could also get it pre-cooked or use rotisserie style chicken.
Sharp cheddar cheese: It is mac 'n CHEESE after all. Sharp cheddar provides a strong umami flavor that is SO tasty.
Ranch seasoning packet: You can usually find this in the dressing aisle. Also, heck out my Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers, which are a fan favorite and use this seasoning, too.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Make This Recipe

red strainer filled with cooked noodles on a light brown background. — Step 1

Step 1. In a sauce pan, cook noodles according to the box instructions.

black skillet with cooked ranch chicken on light brown background. — Step 2

Step 2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray and cook chicken pieces with ½ packet of Ranch seasoning until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

white bowl filled with finely grated cheddar cheese on light brown background. — Step 3

Step 3. Grate the cheese block into fine shreds. The finer its grated, the easier it is to melt.

butter, cheese, and milk in a grey sauce pot being whisked. — Step 4

Step 4. Combine butter, nut milk, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, and the other ½ packet of ranch seasoning in a second sauce pan over low heat. Continually stir the sauce until cheese is melted and well combined.

cooked noodles and chicken added to ranch cheese sauce in grey pot. — Step 5

Step 5. Add noodles and chicken into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir together.

close up of the creamy mac n cheese with seasoning. — Step 6

Step 6. Plate your Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese and garnish with fresh cracked pepper, green onions, and more cheese. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

How should I store my mac 'n cheese?

This dish will last a good 3-5 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze a portion of Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese in tupperware for up to 3 months.

Can I make this Vegetarian?

Of course! Just leave out the chicken and you're good to go. If you choose this option, add the entire ranch seasoning packet to the sauce. This dish would go great with an added can of chickpeas in place of the chicken for some extra protein.

Why are we using sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar contrasts the ranch seasoning super well in this dish, but feel free to switch it up! White cheddar, gouda, or an Italian blend would also be super tasty. If you do like the sound of gouda, try my Gouda and Roasted Vegetable Mac 'n Cheese. It's so decadent!

Could I use heavy cream instead of milk in this mac and cheese?

You can for an even creamier sauce, but I'd recommend adding some pasta water to your sauce. The heavy cream will make the sauce thicker than milk will, and more water will help thin it out.

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If you're using MyFitnessPal, search 'A Paige Of Positivity' and find CHICKEN RANCH MAC AND CHEESE calories and nutrition facts. Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.

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