Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole

Introduction:
Dive into comfort food heaven with this indulgent Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, this dish is the ultimate family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from bacon, chicken, and ranch seasoning.
• Perfectly combines classic mac and cheese with a savory twist.
• Easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.
• Great for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works well)
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce until everything is well coated.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

1. Serve:

• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Chicken: Use cooked chicken that’s already seasoned or add your favorite spices to the diced chicken for extra flavor.
• Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven rather than frying.
• Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Recipe Variations:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add cooked vegetables like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for added comfort.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this casserole.
• Saucepan: Use a medium saucepan to make the cheese sauce.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, shells, or rotini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if the pasta shape requires it.
• Can I make this casserole without bacon?
  Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or replace it with a different protein, such as turkey bacon or sausage.
• Can I use a different seasoning mix?
  Yes, you can use other seasoning blends if you prefer, such as Italian seasoning or a homemade blend.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 25g

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole

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• Author: Julie
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works well)
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Cook the Macaroni:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Combine Ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce until everything is well coated.
• Assemble the Casserole:
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
• Serve:
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 50kcal
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 30g

Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious casseroles, and stay tuned for more comforting and delicious recipes.