Introduction
When comfort food calls, nothing answers louder than a hot bowl of Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. This creamy, savory dish combines tender slow-cooked chicken, rich cheese, and a hint of garlic in every bite. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving up something special on a weeknight, this recipe delivers both flavor and ease.
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Table of Contents
What Makes Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese So Addictive?
The Rise of Gourmet Comfort Food
Mac and cheese is no longer just a boxed childhood memory—it’s evolved. Restaurants and home chefs alike are elevating it by adding quality ingredients, from artisan cheeses to slow-cooked meats. One standout combo? Parmesan Garlic Chicken. The mix of tangy garlic parmesan sauce and shredded, seasoned chicken turns a standard mac and cheese into a gourmet experience without requiring a culinary degree.
Flavor Layers: Why Garlic Parmesan Stands Out
The key to this dish’s addictive quality lies in its bold, layered flavors. The Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce introduces umami, garlic sharpness, and a creamy texture. When it coats chicken slow-cooked with paprika, salt, and pepper, it creates a robust flavor base. Layered over Colby Jack and cream cheese-coated macaroni, the final dish is silky, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Choosing the Right Chicken for Best Texture
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and easy shredding. You want chicken that holds its structure but still falls apart with a fork. If using thighs, you’ll get richer flavor, but the texture will be softer and may need more sauce to hold it together.
The Role of Cheese Variety: Creamy vs. Tangy
This recipe uses a cheese trio: Colby Jack (for meltability), cream cheese (for body and tang), and Parmesan (for salty sharpness). This blend ensures that every bite balances gooeyness with punchy flavor. Avoid strong cheeses like blue or overly mild ones like mozzarella that can water down the flavor.
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Cooking the Chicken Perfectly in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Why Slow-Cooking is the Best Technique
Low and slow wins the race for chicken in this dish. Cooking chicken on LOW for about 4 hours in the garlic parmesan sauce not only makes it fork-tender but infuses it deeply with flavor. This method avoids the dryness that often plagues baked or pan-fried chicken.
Coating and Shredding Tips for Flavor Absorption
After the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker so it reabsorbs the juices and sauce. Add a little extra Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce at this stage to boost flavor before introducing the macaroni.
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Explore a Midwest twist on this dish with this version from Cooking in the Midwest.
Crafting the Creamiest Mac and Cheese Base
Perfect Pasta: Par-Cooking for Texture
To avoid soggy mac and cheese, par-cook the elbow macaroni for just about 3 minutes—this way, it finishes cooking in the slow cooker without breaking down. Salt your water well to season the pasta from within.
Cheese Blend Breakdown: Colby Jack, Parmesan & Cream Cheese
Once the pasta is added to the crockpot with chicken, mix in cubed cream cheese, shredded Colby Jack, and milk. Stir well, allowing the cheeses to melt slowly and evenly. Finish with grated Parmesan stirred through and sprinkled on top.
Check out this alternative garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe by Munchin with Maddie.
Bringing it All Together in One Pot
Combining Chicken and Pasta Without Drying Out
The slow cooker helps blend the pasta and chicken seamlessly. Keep the mix moist by stirring occasionally during the last hour of cooking, ensuring that every bite is evenly coated. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.
Final Cooking: Stirring, Timing, and Garnishing
After 1 hour on LOW, your mac and cheese is ready. Stir in more Parmesan for that extra salty bite, and top with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Looking for inspiration? Try Low-Carb Chicken Burrito
Recipe Variations to Spice Up Your Mac and Cheese
Spicy Kick: Adding Jalapeños or Hot Sauce
Craving heat? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mix. Even red pepper flakes can give it a nice edge. Balance it with extra cream cheese for a smoother finish.
Swapping Cheeses for New Flavor Profiles
Try swapping Colby Jack with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a smokier or spicier twist. You can also use gruyere for a deeper, nutty undertone.
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
What to Serve With Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish is rich, so pair it with something fresh and crisp like a simple green salad or roasted broccoli. Garlic bread is also a winner if you’re leaning into the comfort food vibe.
Leftovers: Storing and Reheating Without Losing Texture
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk on the stovetop or microwave. Stir well to regain creaminess.
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Nutritional Breakdown and Dietary Tips
Calories, Macros & Protein Content
A serving (approx. 1.5 cups) contains around:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600-650 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
Making It Lighter: Low-Fat or Low-Carb Options
Substitute low-fat cream cheese and milk, or use chickpea pasta for a low-carb twist. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce saturated fat.
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese FAQs Answered
Is Parmesan a good cheese for mac and cheese?
Absolutely. It adds a salty, umami flavor that balances the creaminess of other cheeses.
What cheese not to put in mac and cheese?
Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well like feta, goat cheese, or overly dry cheeses, which can ruin texture.
What cheese does Gordon Ramsay use for mac and cheese?
Gordon Ramsay often uses sharp cheddar, parmesan, and sometimes gruyere for depth.
What three cheeses are best for mac and cheese?
Colby Jack, cheddar, and parmesan offer a perfect blend of creaminess, meltability, and flavor.
Conclusion
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of bold flavor, creamy texture, and hearty protein—all in one comforting dish. With just a bit of prep and your slow cooker, you can enjoy gourmet-level flavor at home.
Learn more about creamy, protein-packed meals: Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
This rich and creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in Buffalo Wild Wings sauce with a blend of Colby Jack, cream cheese, and Parmesan. It’s a one-pot dinner that’s as easy as it is indulgent.
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp 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 to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place in slow cooker and coat with Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Shred and return to pot with a bit more sauce if needed.
- Par-Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni for 3 minutes, just to soften. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Add par-cooked pasta, milk, Colby Jack cheese, cream cheese to crockpot. Stir to mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour.
- Finish: Stir, add grated Parmesan, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Swap Colby Jack with gouda or pepper jack for a twist.
- To store, refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese