Description
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal. Featuring Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, this dish delivers a rich garlic and Parmesan flavor, perfect for a hearty family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Sauce
- 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
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in a slow cooker and pour enough Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the top to coat the chicken well. Cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken pieces right in the slow cooker. Add more Parmesan Garlic Sauce if you desire a saucier texture.
- Par-Cook Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of boiling water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni noodles for 3 minutes to par-cook them. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Slow Cook Mac and Cheese: Add the par-cooked macaroni, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese directly to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Cook on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Once the mac and cheese is creamy and hot, serve portions topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the best creamy texture; skim or low-fat milk will result in a thinner sauce.
- Par-cooking the pasta ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the slow cooker without becoming mushy.
- If unavailable, you can substitute Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with a homemade mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, and mayonnaise for similar flavor.
- Stir the mac and cheese occasionally during the final hour of slow cooking to prevent sticking and uneven melting.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
