Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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)
• 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)

Directions

1. Slow Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. These spices will enhance the chicken’s flavor, creating a well-seasoned base. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once the chicken is cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot. You can add a little more Parmesan Garlic Sauce at this stage if you prefer more sauce in the dish.
2. Par-Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook for about 3 minutes—just enough to soften the pasta slightly without fully cooking it. The pasta will finish cooking in the slow cooker, absorbing the creamy cheese sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Combine and Cook: Once the chicken is shredded and ready, add the partially cooked macaroni, 2 cups of whole milk, 2½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese, and 8 oz softened and cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker with the chicken. Stir everything together until well combined. The milk will help create a smooth, creamy sauce, while the cheese will melt to form the rich base of the mac and cheese. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1 hour, stirring a few times to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the dish becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Finish and Serve: Once the mac and cheese is creamy and heated through, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to combine. The Parmesan will add a sharp, savory flavor that enhances the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness of this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese!
   

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