Degchi
Chicken Macaroni
Serves 4 · Total 35 min · Prep 10 min · Cook 25 min
Boiled macaroni tossed in a thick, tangy tomato-ketchup sauce with boneless chicken — a Pakistani-Chinese home-cooking favourite that bridges pasta night and desi flavour. Loved by kids and adults alike, it is quick enough for a weeknight dinner or school lunchbox.
Quick answer: 35 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Macaroni, Boneless chicken, Onion, Tomato · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 300 g 10.5 oz Macaroni
- 400 g 0.9 lb Boneless chicken, cut into thin strips
- 100 g 0.75 cup Onion, sliced
- 150 g 1 cup Tomato, pureed
- 4 tbsp 4 tbsp Tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Garlic, paste
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 0.5 tsp 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- to taste to taste Salt
- 50 g 2 oz Cheese, grated, for topping (Optional)
Steps
Timers run only while this tab is open. The Degchi app keeps them running on a locked phone.
- Boil the macaroni in plenty of salted water until just done, then drain and rinse briefly in cold water.⏱ Boiling macaroni · 10 min
- Heat oil in a pan, add garlic paste and sliced onion, and fry briefly until fragrant.⏱ Frying aromatics · 2 min
- Add the chicken strips and cook on high heat, stirring, until they change colour and are nearly cooked.⏱ Cooking chicken · 7 min
- Add pureed tomato, ketchup and soy sauce, and simmer into a thick sauce.⏱ Simmering sauce · 5 min
- Toss in the boiled macaroni with salt and black pepper, mixing well until evenly coated.⏱ Tossing · 2 min
- Top with grated cheese if using, and serve hot.
Cook this in the app — get Degchi on Google Play
Get it on Google PlayNot sure you have everything? Check this against your pantry
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Macaroni take?
35 minutes in total: about 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
Is Chicken Macaroni hard to make?
Degchi rates it easy. The method has 6 steps, and 5 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Chicken Macaroni serve?
This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Chicken Macaroni halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is not vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Chicken Macaroni?
Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: cooking oil, salt. Spice-box items: black pepper. Fresh items you will probably need to buy: boneless chicken, onion, tomato, garlic. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: macaroni, tomato ketchup, soy sauce.
Any tips for making Chicken Macaroni?
Rinse boiled macaroni briefly in cold water to stop it cooking further and prevent sticking. A pinch of chilli garlic sauce or red chilli powder gives this dish a spicier desi twist.
Notes and questions
No notes yet. Ask a question about this recipe, share a tip, or tell us if something needs fixing. Our team reads every note before it appears.
Ask a question or add a note
This recipe in other languages
Used in these posts
Hot Lunch in a Thermos: Desi Dishes That Hold Up
Cold paratha gets old by Wednesday. A preheated flask keeps soft, saucy dishes warm for lunch, but only some dishes survive the trip.
What to Cook Tonight When Everyone Says "Anything"
The most common answer to "what should I cook?" is "anything", and then nobody likes what you make. Six decision rules that end the 5 pm standoff in two minutes.
When Kids Refuse Dinner: Desi Dishes That Often Get Eaten
A child who refuses dinner is exhausting. Seven desi dishes from our recipes that tend to work with fussy eaters, and small changes in spice, texture and plating.
Should Kids Vote on Dinner? Rules That Keep It Fair and Sane
A dinner vote can end the nightly negotiation or start a new one. The difference is in the rules. Here is how to set them so kids feel heard and parents keep the final say.
How to Use Up Leftovers So Nobody Groans at Dinner
Leftovers are only boring when they come back unchanged. Here is how to transform them, store them safely, and stop throwing money into the bin.
Cooking One Dinner for Picky Eaters and Spice Lovers
You do not have to cook two dinners. Cook one base, split it before the heat goes in, and let everyone finish their own plate. A method with real dishes.
