There is nothing quite like a comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a burst of garlicky flavor. The Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is just that—a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its rich cheese blend, subtly spiced chicken, and a luscious Parmesan garlic sauce that ties everything together, this recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser that will quickly become one of your favorites for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe irresistibly good. From the creamy cheeses to the savory spices, everything comes together simply yet perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: The tender protein base that soaks up the luscious Parmesan garlic sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky note and a touch of color to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor complementing the sauce perfectly.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The star flavor infusion that makes this mac and cheese stand out with its creamy, garlicky richness.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles: Classic pasta that holds the cheesy sauce just right and makes every bite delightful.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that classic mac and cheese sauce texture.
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, cheesy goodness in every forkful.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Delivers extra creaminess and smoothness to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds a sharp, salty finish that amplifies the garlic and cheese flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Provides a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to balance the richness.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base. Place the chicken in your slow cooker and pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over it to coat every piece. Cooking low and slow for about 4 hours allows the chicken to absorb all those gorgeous garlicky and cheesy flavors while becoming tender enough to shred easily. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
Step 2: Prepare the Macaroni
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni noodles for just 3 minutes. Par-cooking the pasta ensures it won’t get mushy when combined later in the slow cooker. Once done, drain the noodles well and set them aside, ready to be folded into the cheesy creamy mixture.
Step 3: Combine and Cook Everything Together
Once your chicken is tender and shredded or chopped, return it to the slow cooker. Add the par-cooked macaroni, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the cheeses melt evenly and coat both the noodles and chicken. Cooking this mixture on low for about an hour—remember to stir occasionally—lets all the flavors meld and thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, along with chopped fresh parsley. Not only do these garnishes add an extra punch of flavor, but they also create a beautiful presentation that’s inviting and mouthwatering. Serve this hot straight from the slow cooker for ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley is the classic topping for this dish, but feel free to get creative. A dash of red pepper flakes can bring a subtle kick, or a drizzle of olive oil infused with garlic can elevate the richness even more. These little accents can turn a simple meal into something truly special.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness of this mac and cheese, think fresh and bright side dishes. Crisp green beans tossed with lemon and garlic or a simple arugula salad with vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess beautifully. If you want to keep things cozy, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a side of garlic bread make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your family or guests? Serve the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for cute, personalized portions. You could even top it with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits for an added layer of texture that will wow the crowd. Presentation can make this homestyle dish feel a little fancy, and who doesn’t love that?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have time to meld even more, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream cheese and pasta texture can shift slightly after freezing, so it’s best to freeze in single portions that you can thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
When reheating, a gentle approach works best. Warm leftovers in the microwave or stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of milk to bring back creaminess if the dish has thickened too much. This way, every bite tastes just as delicious as when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Colby Jack?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Colby Jack for sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses you love. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor and melting quality, but the dish will still be fantastic.
Is it necessary to use slow cooker for this recipe?
While the slow cooker method ensures tender chicken and rich flavor infusion, you could adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven. The key is to cook the chicken thoroughly and combine the ingredients to achieve the right creamy consistency.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Great question! If you like some heat, add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the chicken seasoning, or toss in some finely diced jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce can also elevate the dish while keeping the Parmesan garlic flavor front and center.
What can I substitute the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with?
If you can’t find this exact sauce, try making a simple homemade version with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, or use a favorite creamy garlic sauce as a base. The key is that garlicky Parmesan flavor to tie the dish together.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Par-cooking the macaroni for just a few minutes, as the recipe suggests, is essential. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the slow cooker without becoming overdone. Drain the pasta well and add it to the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking process for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that feels both indulgent and homey, the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect blend of creamy cheese, tender spiced chicken, and that unbeatable garlic-Parmesan punch that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me—once you make it, this recipe will hold a special place in your kitchen rotation. So go ahead, dive into this gooey, comforting feast and enjoy every glorious bite!
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 comforting Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken coated in flavorful Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with creamy macaroni and cheese. The Colby Jack cheese and cream cheese melt into a rich sauce, enhanced by a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish is cooked low and slow in a slow cooker for tender results and easy prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
- 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, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Slow Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour in enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the sauce. Add more Parmesan Garlic Sauce if you prefer a saucier texture.
- Cook Macaroni: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes to par-cook. Drain well and set aside.
- Add Pasta and Cheese to Slow Cooker: Add the cooked macaroni, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker with the chicken. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Slow Cook Mac and Cheese: Cover and cook on low for an additional hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the cheese melts evenly into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy this rich and hearty Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the macaroni in the boiling water; it should be just slightly underdone to finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Parmesan Garlic Sauce before cooking.
- Using whole milk and cream cheese contributes to the creamy texture; for a lighter dish, substitute with lower-fat dairy options.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop or slow cooker.
