Ingredients You’ll Need

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 more, to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tip: Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slow Cook the Chicken

This step infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it incredibly juicy.

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
• Pour enough Parmesan Garlic Sauce to fully coat the chicken.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
• Once done, shred or chop the chicken and return it to the crockpot.
• Add a bit more Parmesan Garlic Sauce for extra flavor and moisture.

Optional Variation: Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream for even more depth and silkiness.

2. Par-Cook the Pasta

This ensures your noodles cook fully without turning mushy in the slow cooker.

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 3 minutes—just enough to soften.
• Drain and set aside.

3. Combine and Cook

This is where the magic happens. Everything melds together into cheesy perfection.

• Add the par-cooked pasta, milk, Colby Jack cheese, and cream cheese to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken.
• Stir until combined and evenly distributed.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting and texture.

Creamy Consistency Tip: If it gets too thick, stir in a little more milk or a spoonful of cream cheese to loosen it up.

4. Finish and Serve

Time to put the finishing touches on your masterpiece.

• Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve warm and dig into the most satisfying bowl of mac and cheese you’ve ever had.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a standalone hero, but you can pair it with a few sides or toppings to create a full meal:

• 🥗 Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad adds a refreshing balance.
• 🥖 Garlic Bread: Lean into the garlic theme with toasted garlic bread or breadsticks.
• 🌽 Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make perfect pairings.

Entertaining Tip: Serve in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an elevated presentation at gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Like all good comfort food, this dish makes fantastic leftovers.

To Store:

• Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

To Freeze:

• While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ons

Looking to switch it up? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

🔥 Spicy Kick:

• Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Mix in diced jalapeños for a bolder bite.

🥓 Bacon Boost:

• Crumble cooked bacon on top before serving for a smoky, savory crunch.

🥦 Veggie-Friendly:

• Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to sneak in some greens.

🧀 Cheese Swap:

• Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack in place of Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.

Customizable for Kids: Skip the extra Parmesan Garlic Sauce and use plain shredded chicken with a milder cheese mix if your little ones are sensitive to spice or garlic.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Approximate based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Calcium: 380mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Note: These values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.