Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Imagine curling up on the couch during a chilly evening, a warm bowl in hand, filled with creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness that satisfies your soul as much as your hunger. Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is not just another one-pot comfort food—it’s a crave-worthy fusion of bold flavor, tender chicken, and classic mac and cheese that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sundays.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a spontaneous dinner party with friends. We were craving something indulgent but easy—a dish that brings people together without hours in the kitchen. That’s when the idea struck: take the crowd-favorite mac and cheese, upgrade it with Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, slow-cooked chicken, and a rich cheese blend. The result? An instant favorite that now makes regular appearances on our dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pot simplicity: The slow cooker does most of the work for you.
- 🧄 Bold, garlicky flavor: The Parmesan Garlic Sauce adds an unforgettable kick.
- 🧀 Ultra-creamy cheese blend: Colby Jack, cream cheese, and Parmesan deliver a silky, rich texture.
- 🐔 Protein-packed: Tender, juicy shredded chicken makes it a full meal.
- 🌿 Customizable and crowd-pleasing: Easily adapted for spice lovers or picky eaters.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, feeding a group, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (enough to coat)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more, to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tip: Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slow Cook the Chicken
This step infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it incredibly juicy.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
- Pour enough Parmesan Garlic Sauce to fully coat the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Once done, shred or chop the chicken and return it to the crockpot.
- Add a bit more Parmesan Garlic Sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
Optional Variation: Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream for even more depth and silkiness.
2. Par-Cook the Pasta
This ensures your noodles cook fully without turning mushy in the slow cooker.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 3 minutes—just enough to soften.
- Drain and set aside.
3. Combine and Cook
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