Name: Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 packet ranch seasoning; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; Salt and pepper to taste

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Let’s be honest—some days call for stretchy pants, a cozy blanket, and a bowl of something cheesy. 🧀 This chicken ranch macaroni and cheese checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, it’s got a little tang from the ranch, and there’s shredded chicken in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that gives you a warm hug from the inside out. When I first made this dish, I wasn’t trying to win any culinary awards. I was just tired, hungry, and had leftover chicken in the fridge. But the magic happened when I tossed in a ranch packet and watched my family fight over seconds. That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just comfort food, it was weeknight gold.✨ Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hangry adults, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe’s your new best friend. Quick to whip up, easy to love, and even easier to devour. Let’s cook!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
3) Ingredients for Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
4) How to Make Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
5) Tips for Making Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
6) Making Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
8) Try these Casserole recipes next!
9) Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Comfort food at its finest with creamy cheese and tender chicken
Quick prep and cook time make it perfect for weeknights
Great for using up leftover chicken or pre-cooked options
Customizable with toppings like bacon or green onions

2) Easy Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

When life feels a bit upside down and dinner needs to be right-side up, chicken ranch macaroni and cheese is your weeknight winner 🧀🍗. It’s hearty, easy to whip up, and tastes like something your grandma might have made—if she had a thing for ranch seasoning.

We don’t need ten ingredients you can’t pronounce or a slow-cooker that takes all day. What we need is cheese, pasta, and ranch-flavored goodness that wraps around chicken like a warm blanket. This easy recipe is flexible too—sub in what you’ve got on hand and it still turns out rich, savory, and satisfying.

From prep to plate, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes, and yes, that includes cleanup. It’s that kind of dish—the kind that shows up when you need dinner on the table and nobody’s got the energy to argue about veggies.

3) Ingredients for Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni brings the classic noodle shape that holds sauce like a pro. If you’ve got penne or shells, those work too, but elbows feel like home 🏠.

Butter is your base for a smooth, velvety roux. Just a couple tablespoons get things rich and toasty in the pan.

Flour helps thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect cling to every bite of pasta. You don’t need much, but don’t skip it either.

Milk makes things creamy and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy. Whole milk works best, but 2 percent gets the job done too 🥛.

Cheddar Cheese adds sharp, bold flavor. Get a block and shred it yourself if you’ve got time—it melts better and tastes fresher.

Mozzarella Cheese brings the stretch. It melts soft and gooey, pulling the whole thing together into cheesy harmony.

Ranch Seasoning gives this mac its twist. Tangy, herby, a little salty—just the flavor punch this pasta party needs.

Cooked Chicken makes this dinner-worthy. Leftover rotisserie or shredded grilled chicken both work. Don’t overthink it 🍗.

Salt and Pepper finish things off. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

4) How to Make Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender. Drain it and set aside while you wrangle the sauce.

Step 2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute until it smells a bit nutty.

Step 3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the way. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4. Add the ranch seasoning, then toss in the cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until everything melts into a golden, cheesy pool 🧀.

Step 5. Fold in the cooked chicken and drained pasta. Stir until well combined. Taste it—add salt and pepper if you need a little more punch.

Step 6. Spoon it into bowls and serve warm. Sprinkle on extra cheese or chopped herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Or don’t. It’s still delicious.

5) Tips for Making Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Use freshly shredded cheese if you can. Pre-shredded stuff often has anti-caking agents that mess with your sauce’s texture. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.

Keep the milk warm when adding it to the roux. It helps everything blend more smoothly without clumps or weird textures.

If your sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit more milk and stir. Too thin? A sprinkle of cheese usually brings it back together. Mac and cheese doesn’t like to be rushed—slow and steady wins the race 🐢.

6) Making Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Ahead of Time

You can totally prep this dish ahead. Just stop before adding the cheese sauce to the pasta and chicken. Store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers.

When you’re ready, reheat the sauce gently on the stove and stir in the pasta and chicken. It comes back to life with a little milk and patience.

Craving crispy topping? Toss the finished mac into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for 3 minutes. Just enough to make the top golden and crunchy 🔥.

7) Storing Leftover Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

If you want to freeze it, portion it first. It makes weekday lunches a breeze. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot. Add a sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling generous 🧊.

Be sure to stir while reheating so the sauce doesn’t separate. Microwaves love to play games with cheese—don’t let them win.

8) Try these Casserole recipes next!

9) Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe