Description
This creamy and flavorful Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich blend of cheeses, pasta, and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish features a cheesy, garlicky sauce with hints of paprika and a fresh parsley garnish.
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, about ½ to ¾ cup)
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, as desired
- Fresh parsley, chopped, as desired
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over it to coat thoroughly. Cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it finely using forks or a knife. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, adding more Parmesan Garlic Sauce if you want a saucier dish.
- Par-Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking or near completion, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes to par-cook (the pasta will finish cooking in the slow cooker). Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the par-cooked macaroni noodles, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir all the ingredients well to combine into a creamy mixture.
- Slow Cook Mac and Cheese: Cook the combined mixture on low for 1 more hour in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the cheese melts evenly, resulting in a creamy mac and cheese texture.
- Serve: When the mac and cheese is fully cooked and creamy, serve it hot. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and a fresh finish.
Notes
- Par-cooking the pasta helps prevent it from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
- You can adjust the amount of Parmesan Garlic Sauce to your taste for more or less saucy mac and cheese.
- If you prefer, substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for variety.
- This dish can be kept warm in the slow cooker for up to 1 hour before serving without drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
