Irresistible BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac

There’s a magical combination of smoky chipotle and creamy ranch that will make your BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac a star at your dinner table. Imagine sinking your fork into tender chicken smothered in a zesty sauce, paired with luscious macaroni enveloped in gooey white cheddar—talk about a flavor explosion! comforting shrimp and grits. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup recipe.

This dish is perfect for those cozy family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or even just a casual weeknight dinner when you want to impress without the fuss. beef enchiladas for a twist I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friends’ eyes widened in delight, and I felt like a culinary wizard casting spells of flavor.

It was during one of our infamous game nights when this dish stole the show; everyone kept asking for seconds and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on your crowd size; they soak up flavors wonderfully.
• Chipotle Sauce: A smoky sauce that adds depth and a kick; choose your heat level wisely!
• Ranch Dressing: Store-bought or homemade; its creaminess complements the spices perfectly.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac; cook until al dente for the best texture.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for maximum meltiness and flavor richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish; it brightens up the dish visually and taste-wise.

For the Sauce:

• Milk: Whole milk works best here, adding creaminess to balance out the flavors.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels; it helps in creating a rich sauce base.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic notes that enhance every bite of chicken and mac.
• Onion Powder: A subtle sweetness complements the spices beautifully.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika can elevate the smokiness in your mac; it’s worth trying!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Chicken First: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them until cooked through—about 25 to 30 minutes should do it.

Prepare the Pasta Delightfully : While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente—remember not to overcook!

Create the Creamy Sauce : In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add milk. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chipotle sauce, and ranch dressing until well combined and heated through.

Melt in That Cheese : Gradually stir in grated white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If you want extra creaminess, feel free to add more cheese—no one’s judging here!

Toss It All Together : Once the chicken is done baking, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Drain pasta and combine it with the cheese sauce and chicken in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until each piece is coated.

Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving this delightful creation. Enjoy while warm for maximum cheesiness!

Now sit back as you bask in compliments from family and friends alike—it’s bound to happen! This BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac isn’t just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the one pot chicken pasta while preparing the zesty sauce for ultimate flavor harmony.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap white cheddar for sharp cheddar or add veggies like spinach and bell peppers to enhance nutrition and freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Sharing this dish at my last family gathering brought everyone together! Their smiles as they devoured it were priceless, making all my efforts worthwhile.

FAQ

Can I use different cheese in BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac?

For more inspiration, check out this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe.

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

cornbread casserole side dish.

Consider pairing with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

The entire process takes around 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac is a mouthwatering dish that combines smoky chipotle and creamy ranch with tender chicken and gooey white cheddar macaroni. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this easy recipe delivers a flavor explosion that will impress everyone at your table. With its vibrant colors and rich textures, it’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience!

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup chipotle sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
2. While the chicken bakes, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chipotle sauce, and ranch dressing until heated through.
4. Gradually add grated white cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Chop the baked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken; mix until well coated.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg