Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the comforting goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch? Introducing the Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac Cheese—a creamy, cheesy delight that comes together in just 25 minutes! This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect weeknight meal that will leave your family asking for seconds. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to whip up a bowl of pure comfort that will have everyone coming back for more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by measuring out all components: shred chicken, crumble bacon, and measure cheese and broth.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot, then add uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix evenly over the macaroni, stirring gently to distribute seasoning.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release to remove pressure, carefully opening lid away from your face.
- Stir pasta immediately, then add shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix thoroughly until cheese is completely melted and ingredients are well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate additional seasoning.
- Let mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra bacon crumbles or chopped green onions.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, shred your chicken and crumble your bacon in advance. This way, you can have everything ready to go when it’s time to cook.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality bacon and cheese for the best flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged options.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: The ranch seasoning mix is key to infusing the dish with flavor, so make sure to distribute it evenly over the macaroni.
- Quick Release Carefully: When performing a quick release, always open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns.
- Customize Your Mac: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, like peas or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your mac and cheese with additional bacon crumbles or chopped green onions for a pop of color and taste.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken up for a creamier texture.With these tips in hand, you’ll be ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
