Spicy Chipotle Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
Indulge in this savory Spicy Chipotle Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese—a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite. Tender bites of chicken are enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, infused with chipotle peppers for a delicious kick. The addition of Hidden Valley® Ranch Dressing brings an incredible depth of flavor, while thick cut bacon crumbles give a crunchy, smoky contrast that your family won’t be able to resist. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to become a household staple that impresses everyone at the table.
8-10
Servings
420
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
chipotle peppers
4 (minced)
adobo seasoning
2 tablespoons (plus 2 tablespoons for sauce)
butter
3 ounces
onion
1/2 (minced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
all-purpose flour
3 ounces
chicken stock
8 ounces
half-and-half
16 ounces
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
8 ounces
cheddar cheese
9 ounces (shredded (Kerrygold Dubbliner recommended))
macaroni
1 lb (cooked)
kosher salt
(to taste)
thick cut bacon
3 slices
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
chives
1/4 cup (chopped)
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, then add the garlic, cooking for an additional minute until the onions are translucent.
3
Stir in the flour using a wooden spoon, combining it well with the butter and onions, and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4
Gradually add the chicken stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
5
While the sauce simmers, heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with kosher salt, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
6
Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and 2 tablespoons of adobo seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Remove from heat.
7
In a separate pot, bring the half-and-half to a gentle simmer. Gradually mix it into the roux until fully incorporated. Stir in the Hidden Valley® Ranch Dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of adobo seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy, adjusting the salt as needed.
8
Combine the cooked macaroni, chipotle chicken, and cheese sauce in the baking dish, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
9
For the bacon bread crumbs: Cook the bacon until crispy, then allow it to cool and finely chop it. In a small bowl, combine the minced bacon with the breadcrumbs, chopped chives, and parsley, tossing well to mix.
10
Sprinkle the bacon bread crumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
11
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
23
Fat
32
Carbs
18
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chipotle Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese?
It is a savory twist on the classic macaroni and cheese featuring chicken, a creamy chipotle-infused cheese sauce, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, and a smoky bacon breadcrumb topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 8 and 10 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
What gives the dish its spicy flavor?
The heat comes from 4 minced chipotle peppers and 4 total tablespoons of adobo seasoning.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests 9 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, specifically recommending Kerrygold Dubliner.
How do you make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt 3 ounces of butter, sauté onions and garlic, then stir in 3 ounces of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding chicken stock?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until thickened.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The bite-sized chicken pieces should be cooked in olive oil for approximately 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
When do I add the chipotle peppers to the chicken?
Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and 2 tablespoons of adobo seasoning after the chicken is browned and cooked through.
What brand of ranch dressing is used?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing.
What liquid is mixed with the roux to make the sauce creamy?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of half-and-half, brought to a gentle simmer before being mixed into the roux.
How is the bacon breadcrumb topping made?
Combine finely chopped crispy bacon with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped chives, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
How long does the mac and cheese bake in the oven?
It should bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
You can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this dish?
Each serving contains 23 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh chopped chives and parsley in the breadcrumb topping.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 3 slices of thick-cut bacon.
How much butter is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 ounces of butter.
When should the garlic be added?
The garlic should be added after the onions have sautéed for 2 minutes, then cooked for one additional minute.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of chicken stock.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of cooked macaroni.
Is there a cooling period before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients listed for this recipe.
How much adobo seasoning is used in the sauce?
2 tablespoons of adobo seasoning are mixed into the cheese sauce, in addition to the 2 tablespoons used on the chicken.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a minced onion, but does not specify a specific color, though yellow or white are standard.
What should the consistency of the sauce be before adding pasta?
The cheese sauce should be mixed until it is smooth and creamy before combining with the macaroni and chicken.