Description
Creamy crack chicken macaroni and cheese brings southern comfort to dinner tables with irresistible cheesy goodness. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, this dish promises a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Base and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in a generously salted water bath until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Create a velvety sauce foundation by gently melting cream cheese in a simmering saucepan, whisking in milk and ranch seasoning until silky and uniform.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella into the warm sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese dissolves completely, creating a luxurious, smooth consistency.
- Fold the prepared chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
- Combine the sauced chicken with the drained macaroni, introducing crispy bacon crumbles and optional frozen peas for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Transfer the decadent mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent heat distribution.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the macaroni for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden bubbling edges and heated center.
- Allow the dish to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce settle and intensifies flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutritional value.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium ranch seasoning and choosing reduced-fat cheese varieties without compromising flavor intensity.
- Boost vegetable content by adding roasted broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers for increased nutrition and color variety.
- Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and incorporating lean protein like rotisserie chicken breast for fewer calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg