BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken Mac (Printable Version)
Smoky chicken with chipotle-ranch BBQ sauce over creamy white cheddar macaroni for the ultimate comfort food experience.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 -
1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy)
03 -
½ cup ranch dressing
04 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
05 -
2 tablespoons butter, divided
06 -
8 oz elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta shape)
07 -
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
08 -
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
09 -
1 teaspoon chipotle powder, adjusted to taste
10 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
11 -
Reserved pasta water, optional as needed
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and chipotle powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
03 -
Lower the heat and add BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to the chicken. Stir to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
04 -
In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in shredded white cheddar until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 -
Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
06 -
Plate the cheesy pasta, top with BBQ chipotle ranch chicken, and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Serve immediately.