Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food upgrade with this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. This isn’t your ordinary mac and cheese—it’s an elevated version that combines tender chunks of garlic-infused chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings, this dish strikes that magical balance between familiar comfort and gourmet flavor. The aromatic garlic, savory chicken, and two kinds of cheese transform a classic into something truly special that both kids and adults will devour.
Why You’ll Love This
- Complete one-pot meal with protein and pasta in every satisfying bite
- The combination of cheddar and parmesan creates incredible depth of flavor
- Easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
- More nutritious than boxed mac and cheese but just as comforting
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (enough to cover chicken, about 1/2 cup)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- Additional Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (optional, about 1/4 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken to cover it completely, using more or less as needed. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can chop it into cubes if you prefer. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with all the cooking liquid.
- If desired, add a little more Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce to the shredded chicken and stir to coat. This step is optional but adds more of that distinctive flavor throughout the dish.
- While the chicken is being prepared, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 3 minutes – this is less than the package instructions. The pasta should be very al dente (slightly undercooked) as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Add the partially cooked macaroni to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Pour in the 2 cups of whole milk. Add the shredded Colby Jack cheese and cubed cream cheese. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 1 hour. Stir the mixture a few times during cooking (ideally every 15-20 minutes) to prevent sticking and to help the cheeses melt evenly. The mac and cheese is ready when all the cheese is melted, the sauce is creamy, and the pasta is tender.
- Once the mac and cheese is ready, give it a final stir and then spoon into serving bowls. Top each portion with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve hot while the cheese is still gooey and delicious.
Tips & Variations
- Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights
- Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella, gruyere, or fontina
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter and broil for 2-3 minutes
- Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and substituting cornstarch for flour
Serving Suggestions
This hearty mac and cheese is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true comfort food experience, serve alongside some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious cheese sauce.
For a special touch, place individual portions in oven-safe dishes, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden for an impressive presentation.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve immediately for best texture
- For meal prep, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare through step 8, transfer to a baking dish, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and create a creamier sauce.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Turkey, ham, or bacon work well as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower instead.
My sauce is too thick. How can I fix it?
Simply whisk in additional milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
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