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BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Get ready to dive into pure comfort food bliss with this BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken & White Cheddar Mac! Smoky, spicy, creamy, and insanely satisfying, this dish is the perfect mashup of bold flavors and velvety textures. Tender chicken coated in a smoky chipotle ranch BBQ sauce rests atop a bed of luxuriously creamy white cheddar macaroni, making every bite unforgettable. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, easy dinner recipes, or just some irresistible comfort food inspiration, this dish will deliver. Ideal for weeknight meals, cozy gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something rich, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves bold food ideas and simple yet exciting cooking!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta shape)
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water (optional, as needed)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chipotle powder. Cook in skillet for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Lower heat and add BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to chicken. Stir to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  6. Gradually whisk in shredded white cheddar until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
  8. Plate the cheesy pasta, top with BBQ chipotle ranch chicken, and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Serve immediately!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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Find it online: https://ladysavor.com/bbq-chipotle-ranch-chicken-white-cheddar-mac/