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

This is where the magic happens. Everything melds together into cheesy perfection.

  • Add the par-cooked pasta, milk, Colby Jack cheese, and cream cheese to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken.
  • Stir until combined and evenly distributed.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting and texture.

Creamy Consistency Tip: If it gets too thick, stir in a little more milk or a spoonful of cream cheese to loosen it up.

4. Finish and Serve

Time to put the finishing touches on your masterpiece.

  • Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve warm and dig into the most satisfying bowl of mac and cheese you’ve ever had.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a standalone hero, but you can pair it with a few sides or toppings to create a full meal:

  • 🥗 Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad adds a refreshing balance.
  • 🥖 Garlic Bread: Lean into the garlic theme with toasted garlic bread or breadsticks.
  • 🌽 Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make perfect pairings.

Entertaining Tip: Serve in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an elevated presentation at gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Like all good comfort food, this dish makes fantastic leftovers.

To Store:

  • Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

  • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
  • Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

To Freeze:

  • While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ons

Looking to switch it up? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

🔥 Spicy Kick:

  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Mix in diced jalapeños for a bolder bite.

🥓 Bacon Boost:

  • Crumble cooked bacon on top before serving for a smoky, savory crunch.

🥦 Veggie-Friendly:

  • Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to sneak in some greens.

🧀 Cheese Swap:

  • Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack in place of Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.

Customizable for Kids: Skip the extra Parmesan Garlic Sauce and use plain shredded chicken with a milder cheese mix if your little ones are sensitive to spice or garlic.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Approximate based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Calcium: 380mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g

Note: These values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.

Why Parmesan Garlic Sauce Makes the Difference

If you haven’t used Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce at home before, you’re in for a treat. It’s creamy, zesty, and packs just the right amount of garlic flavor without being overpowering. Perfect for wings, but even better in comfort dishes like this.

The sauce saves time and adds complexity to the flavor without needing to chop garlic, measure lemon, or blend ingredients. It’s a shortcut that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Busy week ahead? This recipe is ideal for meal prep:

  • Make it on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy warm, hearty meals throughout the week.
  • Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
  • Bonus: The flavor gets even better the next day!

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Food Classic

There are few things as comforting as a rich, homemade mac and cheese, especially when it’s packed with slow-cooked chicken and bold garlic-Parmesan flavor. This recipe transforms your average mac and cheese into a next-level meal that’s indulgent yet easy, hearty yet not overwhelming.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner, feeding a family, or just craving something delicious after a long day, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is bound to become one of your most beloved recipes. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation.

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