Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Chicken magic recipes

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Let’s be real—some days just scream for comfort food. You know, the kind of dish that wraps around your soul like your favorite cozy blanket. That’s exactly where Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese comes in.

With its dreamy, cheesy goodness and bold Parmesan garlic flavor, this dish isn’t just dinner—it’s therapy in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, wrangling a busy workday, or just craving something decadent without too much fuss, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

And the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can focus on literally anything else. (Laundry pile the size of Everest? You got this.)

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

If mac and cheese and garlic chicken had a love child, this would be it. This dish combines the velvety comfort of classic mac and cheese with the savory punch of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce—creating something totally crave-worthy.

Here’s why it’s the weeknight win you didn’t know you needed:

It’s packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. (Triple cheese alert!)
Minimal prep—your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
Totally family-approved. Even your “no green things” kid will be asking for seconds.
Makes amazing leftovers—if there are any.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this creamy, dreamy masterpiece:

1 lb chicken breast
1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (this is the magic)
8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
Parmesan cheese, for topping
Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Start With the Chicken

Pop your chicken breast into the slow cooker and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pour in just enough Parmesan Garlic sauce to coat it—don’t worry, we’ll add more later.

Set it on low and let it cook for about 4 hours, or until it’s fully cooked and tender (165°F internal temp, if you like to be precise).

2. Shred and Sauce It

Once it’s cooked, shred or chop the chicken right in the slow cooker. Add a bit more Parmesan Garlic sauce if you like things saucy (you do).

3. Partially Cook the Pasta

Boil your macaroni noodles for just 3 minutes—we’re going for slightly undercooked here since they’ll finish in the slow cooker.

Drain the pasta and get ready for the magic.

4. Mix the Mac

Add the drained noodles, milk, shredded Colby Jack, and cubed cream cheese into the crockpot with the chicken. Stir it all together so everything’s cozy and well mixed.

Cover and let it cook on low for about 1 hour, giving it a few stirs along the way to help that cheese melt into silky perfection.

5. Finish with Flair

Right before serving, sprinkle on a generous handful of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Voila! Dinner is done.

Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

Cheese matters: Grate your own Colby Jack if you can—pre-shredded stuff works, but fresh melts smoother.
Don’t skip the pre-boil: Undercooking the pasta first is key. It keeps it from turning to mush while slow-cooking.
Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a swirl of buffalo sauce for heat-lovers.
Cream cheese hack: Let it soften a bit before adding—it’ll blend easier and faster.

From My Family Table to Yours

I first made this recipe on one of those nights—you know, when everything’s chaos and the only thing you can control is what’s for dinner. I tossed what I had in the slow cooker and crossed my fingers.

My kids went back for seconds and thirds. That never happens. My husband even declared it “dangerously good.” Since then, it’s been our go-to comfort meal for movie nights, chilly Sundays, or anytime we need a little food hug.

Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese in a white bowl topped with golden cheese and fresh parsley.

FAQs: All Things Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?

Absolutely! Just shred it up and warm it with the Parmesan Garlic sauce before continuing with the recipe. You’ll save even more time.

Can I swap the pasta type?

You sure can! Shells, penne, or rotini work great. Just make sure to undercook slightly so it doesn’t go mushy in the crockpot.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Not really. Creamy sauces can separate when frozen, so I recommend enjoying this one fresh.

Conclusion

Some dishes just hit different, and Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of them. It’s hearty, it’s rich, it’s got just the right balance of tang and savory—and best of all, it fits into your busy schedule without adding stress.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, let this dish be your answer. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking—and don’t forget to grab that extra scoop for yourself before it’s gone.

Keep the Flavor Going: More Cheesy, Bold, and Easy Chicken Recipes

If you loved how this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe brought creamy comfort and bold flavor to your table, you’re going to want to check out a few more reader-favorite dishes that pair beautifully with this vibe. Whether you’re in the mood for another cheesy casserole, a zesty skillet, or something smoky with a garlic twist, here are some delicious ways to keep the magic going in your kitchen:

Craving more melty, indulgent meals? Don’t miss this ultra-satisfying Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet—it’s a bold, comforting dish that hits all the right notes.
For an oven-baked winner packed with rich flavor and easy prep, try the crowd-pleasing Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
If you want to switch things up with bold spice and a high-protein kick, dive into the vibrant and nourishing Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl that’s full of color and crave-worthy textures.
And for the ultimate cheesy dream, don’t miss our over-the-top Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole—it’s low in carbs but high in creamy, cheesy goodness.

So go ahead, bookmark a few (or all!) of these recipes and keep the chicken magic alive!