Description

This French Onion Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. Tender macaroni noodles are coated in a creamy cheese sauce with caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and a hint of French onion flavor. Topped with a golden brown cheese crust, it’s a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Caramelized Onions:

2 medium yellow onions, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Mac and Cheese:

16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (62.5g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (490g) whole milk, warmed
1 cup (240g) beef stock
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup (113g) shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup (56.5g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (280g) shredded rotisserie chicken

Topping:

Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup (28g) shredded Gruyère cheese
Fresh thyme, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until softened. Uncover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until light brown. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the warm milk and beef stock until smooth. Return to heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Combine Ingredients: Add the Gruyère cheese, mozzarella cheese, and caramelized onions to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock or broth.
You can substitute other cheeses for the Gruyère and mozzarella, such as cheddar, fontina, or provolone.
If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use any cooked chicken, shredded or cubed.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 580kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg