Description
Hähnchen Mac and Cheese is a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender, golden-browned chicken breast with classic cheesy macaroni. This comforting recipe uses simple ingredients like pasta, cheddar cheese, butter, and milk to create a rich cheese sauce cooked on the stovetop, making it a perfect hearty meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250 g Macaroni pasta
Chicken
- 200 g chicken breast, diced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced chicken breast. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked chicken in the pan and stir briefly to combine, allowing the flour to cook slightly and absorb the fat.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta and chicken into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. Let it simmer briefly to meld flavors, then serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute milk with a reduced-fat alternative and reduce butter.
- Adding breadcrumbs on top and broiling briefly can create a crispy topping.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before combining with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken mac and cheese, creamy macaroni, stovetop mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta with chicken
