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BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Bake

BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese - featured image
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This BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning. It’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly casserole that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 8 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 3–4 sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions, usually 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Lower heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Whisk until smooth and melty. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more cheese.
  6. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every noodle is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. In a bowl, toss shredded cooked chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
  8. Spread the mac and cheese evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the BBQ chicken mixture over the top. Sprinkle with crumbled cooked bacon. Add extra shredded cheese on top if desired.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For extra crispy bacon topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before baking. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and juicy texture. Shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, and don’t be afraid to add extra BBQ sauce or cheese to suit your preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon, ranch, mac and cheese, casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, baked pasta, potluck

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/bbq-chicken-bacon-ranch-mac-and-cheese-bake-easy-family-dinner-recipe/