Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ll Fall in Love With!
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining tender, flavorful chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese will make your taste buds dance! This dish takes your ordinary mac and cheese to a whole new level — rich, savory, and packed with the irresistible taste of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Parmesan Garlic Sauce.
It’s everything you want in comfort food — cheesy, garlicky, and unbelievably creamy — and the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you!
Ingredients
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 the chicken)
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)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Season and Slow Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Place them in your slow cooker and pour in enough Parmesan Garlic Sauce to fully coat the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Once done, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker. Add a little more Parmesan Garlic Sauce for extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Let the shredded chicken rest in the sauce for 10–15 minutes before adding the pasta — it’ll soak up even more creamy garlicky flavor!
2. Par-Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook for only 3 minutes — just enough to soften slightly. It will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Combine and Melt
When your chicken is ready, add the partially cooked macaroni, milk, Colby Jack cheese, and cream cheese to the slow cooker.
Stir everything gently until it’s all coated in that luscious Parmesan garlic mixture.
Cover and cook on LOW for another 1 hour, stirring occasionally so the cheese melts evenly and nothing sticks.
Want it creamier? Add a splash more milk or an extra ounce of cream cheese toward the end.
4. Finish with Parmesan Perfection
After an hour, your mac and cheese will be bubbling, creamy, and loaded with melted cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top and stir lightly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls and serve warm. Every bite delivers the perfect blend of creamy cheese, garlic flavor, and tender chicken.
Pair it with:
- A side of garlic bread or buttered rolls
- A crisp green salad
- Or just enjoy it straight from the bowl — no judgment here!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese Ever
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Add sauce gradually – If using extra Parmesan Garlic Sauce, add it in small amounts to balance flavor and texture.
- Stir gently – Avoid breaking the pasta while mixing the thick sauce.
- Customize it! – Add bacon bits, roasted broccoli, or even hot sauce for extra kick.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The combination of slow-cooked chicken and cheesy pasta creates a harmony of flavors — the Parmesan Garlic Sauce infuses the chicken with deep flavor while melting into the creamy cheeses to create a sauce that’s thick, rich, and comforting.
This is not your typical mac and cheese — it’s restaurant-quality comfort food, all made right at home!
Serving & Storage
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Add a splash of milk before microwaving to bring back the creaminess.
- To Freeze: Let cool completely, store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s easy, creamy, and full of flavor — the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, this dish never disappoints.