Hähnchen Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Hähnchen Mac and Cheese combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 250 g pasta (macaroni)
• 200 g chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups cheese (e.g., cheddar), shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the diced chicken.
3. Step 3: Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir it in, cooking briefly to remove the raw taste.
5. Step 5: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the cheese sauce, and let it simmer briefly to blend the flavors.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
• Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and gouda for a creamier texture.
• Swap chicken breast for cooked turkey or ham for a different protein twist.
• Top with breadcrumbs and bake briefly for a crunchy crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the chicken before cooking to ensure even browning and avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What type of pasta works best for mac and cheese?

Traditional elbow macaroni is ideal, but other short pasta shapes like shells or penne work well as they hold the cheese sauce nicely.

Hähnchen Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting Hähnchen Mac and Cheese recipe featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breast cubes combined with gooey melted cheddar cheese and perfectly cooked macaroni. This German-inspired twist on the classic mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 250 g Pasta (Macaroni)
• 2 EL Mehl (flour)
• Salz und Pfeffer nach Geschmack (salt and pepper to taste)

Dairy

• 2 Tassen Käse (z.B. Cheddar), gerieben (2 cups shredded cheese, e.g., Cheddar)
• 1 Tasse Milch (1 cup milk)
• 2 EL Butter (2 tablespoons butter)

Protein

• 200 g Hähnchenbrust, gewürfelt (200 g chicken breast, diced)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked through.
3. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked chicken in the skillet and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually pour in the milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until it melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Chicken Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce and chicken. Let it simmer briefly to meld the flavors together.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like gouda or mozzarella.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika when cooking the chicken.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: German

Keywords: Hähnchen Mac and Cheese, chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, German mac and cheese, cheesy pasta with chicken