If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is here to steal the spotlight. This dish effortlessly combines tender slow-cooked chicken drenched in rich, tangy Parmesan Garlic Sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni that melts right onto your taste buds. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors and textures—comfort food at its finest, elevated with a flavorful twist that makes it truly unforgettable. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that everyone will keep asking for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic dish. Each element plays a crucial role, from tender chicken to decadent cheeses, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): The star protein that soaks up the creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce, staying juicy and tender after slow cooking.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors in the chicken and balances the cheese’s richness.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers a warm, smoky undertone that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Intensifies the garlic notes, perfectly complementing the Parmesan Garlic Sauce.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The delicious sauce that transforms this dish, lending it a bold, tangy, and savory essence.
- Elbow macaroni noodles (8 oz): The classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese beautifully and provides great texture.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce, making every bite luscious.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (2 ½ cups): Melts smoothly for a gooey, flavorful mac and cheese experience.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Adds richness and a velvety texture that elevates traditional mac and cheese.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish): A final touch that intensifies the Parmesan flavor and adds a delightful saltiness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous lift.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker and pour in enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce to cover the chicken beautifully. Set your slow cooker on low and let it simmer for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). At this point, your chicken will be perfectly tender and bursting with flavor—shred or chop it gently, then stir it back into the sauce inside the slow cooker. If you love that extra saucy vibe, feel free to add more sauce now.
Step 2: Par-Cook Pasta
While your chicken is working its magic, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for just 3 minutes. This par-cooking ensures your noodles will finish cooking slowly in the slow cooker without getting mushy. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set it aside, ready to join the cheesy party.
Step 3: Slow Cook Mac and Cheese
To your slow cooker filled with luscious Parmesan Garlic chicken, add the par-cooked macaroni, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything together gently, combining that creamy, cheesy goodness with the flavorful chicken and pasta. Cover and let it cook on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to make sure the cheese melts evenly and the sauce thickens to perfection.
Step 4: Serve
Once the mac and cheese is bubbling and thickened, your dish is ready for the finishing touches. Scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls, then sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh chopped parsley. This adds a lovely nutty saltiness plus a pop of green freshness that looks as great as it tastes. Serve it hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese amplifies the original Parmesan Garlic flavor, while fresh parsley adds just the right hint of color and herbal brightness. Sometimes, a small drizzle of extra Parmesan Garlic Sauce on top can take each bite from excellent to mind-blowing.
Side Dishes
Because the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is so rich and filling, pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a touch of garlic works beautifully. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, also add a nice contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to transform this comfort food classic for a dinner party or special occasion, consider serving it in individual ramekins topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust baked briefly under the broiler. Alternatively, scoop it into small bread bowls for a fun and interactive presentation that doubles as edible serving ware.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it before sealing to maintain the creamy texture and prevent condensation.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish even on a busy day, it freezes beautifully. Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore the creamy consistency and keeps the noodles perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Colby Jack?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack offers a mild, melty texture, cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack work well too, giving you room to customize the flavor to your preference.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can cook the chicken on the stovetop until tender and then combine all ingredients in a casserole dish, baking at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and melted.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe isn’t spicy, but it has a flavorful punch from the garlic and Parmesan sauce. If you want a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes works great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Making this recipe dairy-free is a bit tricky because it relies heavily on cheese and cream sauces. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cheese alternatives and non-dairy milk, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). At that point, it’s fully cooked, juicy, and ready to shred.
Final Thoughts
Making the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is like inviting comfort and bold flavor to your dinner table with open arms. It’s a dish that feels special without any fuss, warming your heart and satisfying your cravings. So, don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved go-to meal for you and yours.
Print
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting slow cooker meal combining tender, slow-cooked chicken coated in a rich Parmesan garlic sauce with cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it delivers tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a delightful garlic-parmesan twist all in one pot.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (enough to coat chicken)
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place them into the slow cooker and pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over to coat the chicken pieces well.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the slow cooker. Add more Parmesan Garlic Sauce if you want the chicken extra saucy.
- Par-Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni noodles for 3 minutes. The pasta will finish cooking in the slow cooker later. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the par-cooked macaroni noodles, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook Mac and Cheese: Continue cooking on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to help the cheeses melt smoothly and prevent sticking.
- Serve: When fully cooked and creamy, scoop the mac and cheese onto plates or bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
- Par-cooking the pasta prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy after slow cooker cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Parmesan Garlic Sauce to your taste preference for more or less sauce.
- Stirring occasionally during the last hour helps ensure even melting and prevents cheese from sticking to the slow cooker base.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and gently reheated for easy weeknight meals.
