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French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese

French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese
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French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting yet sophisticated twist on classic mac and cheese, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken and sweet, caramelized onions. This rich, hearty dish delivers deep layers of flavor inspired by French onion soup and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, trimmed and boneless

Onions and Aromatics

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (preferably freshly shredded)
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes until they turn sweet, golden, and deeply caramelized.
  2. Cook the chicken: While the onions caramelize, season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  3. Boil the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about one minute less than the package instructions. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set aside.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly whisk in milk and broth. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine and bake: Add the cooked macaroni, caramelized onions, and chicken into the cheese sauce and mix well to combine. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Optionally, top with extra cheese or crispy fried onions. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Patience is key when caramelizing onions to develop rich flavor; do not rush this step.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and creamiest texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Undercook pasta slightly to achieve perfect texture after baking.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brighten the dish and balance the richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, French onion soup, chicken mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy, caramelized onions, cheesy bake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/french-onion-chicken-mac-and-cheese/