Chicken Ranch Macaroni And Cheese

This Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese has a pile of ranch-seasoned creamy elbow macaroni topped with ranch-seasoned chicken and crumbled bacon.

Ingredients:

Ranch Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into cubes
• 1 box dry ranch seasoning (about 3 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Cheese and Macaroni

• Elbow macaroni, 8 ounces (2 cups uncooked) cooked al dente and drained
• 1/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated white cheddar cheese
• 4 cooked and crumbled bacon strips
• 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups warmed whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon powdered garlic
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning (dry)
• chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Chicken from a Ranch

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss to evenly coat.
2. in a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes (or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit). Remove from the fire and cover with aluminum foil to stay warm.

Cheese and Macaroni

1. Wipe out the skillet before beginning to cook the macaroni and cheese.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
3. After adding the flour, whisk regularly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
4. Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the warm milk gently while stirring constantly.
5. Return the pan to heat and continue to whisk for another 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
6. In a mixing dish, combine the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. After stirring to combine, remove from heat.
7. Melt the cheeses by stirring them in.
8. Pour the cooked noodles on top of the sauce. To blend, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
9. Before adding the chicken, bacon, and parsley, season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy.