This post is sponsored by Hidden Valley Ranch, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Everyone is always looking for an easy, weekday dinner, am I right? But an easy dinner that doesn’t break the bank, is delicious, and even your picky kids will eat? Even better. That’s what you’re going to get with this one, my friends. Say hello to the easiest Hidden Valley Ranch Baked Chicken and Mac n’ Cheese. And scroll all the way to the bottom after reading through the recipes, because I’ve got some special news for you!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (I went with olive oil this time)
- 2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix Shaker
- salt and pepper to taste
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place chicken breasts into a sandwich bag. Using a mallet, pound until they are ¾ of an inch thick (totally optional, but this makes the cook time a breeze). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish to fit. Brush with the melted butter or olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle or shake the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken on both sides. If there is any remaining butter or oil, drizzle over the seasoned chicken.
Step 2
Place in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Don’t overcook, because you don’t want dry chicken. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes in a serving dish. Serve hot.
Ranch Mac ‘n Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Ranch Seasoning
- 1 lb. gemelli or elbow pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook, whisking, for about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the milk and ranch seasoning mix and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Fold in the cheese and stir until melted. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. Serve hot.
Serve immediately. Your family will thank you!
PUT THIS ON YOUR DINNER ROTATION IMMEDIATELY
Thumbs up from the princess and an empty plate. I’m calling that a win! Easy, delicious, ready in 30 minutes. Need I say more?
Now, what makes this meal extra special? So glad you asked!
Say hello to the new…
Hidden Valley Ranch’s Seasoning Shaker! It is now a kitchen staple that I’ll be using for all of my appetizers, meals, snacks, sides, and more when I want to kick up the flavor a notch. I’ve always used the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets, but this seasoning shaker is my new BFF. It’s beyond convenient, and truly the most delicious seasoning. What are you going to use it on? Spice up your life with this seasoning in your tacos, on wings, keto dishes, pasta, popcorn, and all the rest of the food you can think of!
