French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese (Print Version)
Savory macaroni tossed with caramelized onions, tender chicken, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
# Ingredients:
→ Caramelized Onions
01 -
2 medium yellow onions, diced
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 -
1 teaspoon sea salt
05 -
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Mac and Cheese Base
06 -
16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
07 -
113 grams unsalted butter
08 -
62.5 grams all-purpose flour
09 -
490 grams whole milk, warmed
10 -
240 grams beef stock
11 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 -
0.5 teaspoon ground mustard powder
13 -
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
15 -
113 grams sharp Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
16 -
56.5 grams mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
17 -
280 grams shredded rotisserie chicken
→ Topping
18 -
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
19 -
28 grams Gruyère cheese, shredded
20 -
Fresh thyme, chopped for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Set oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) to preheat.
02 -
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil, butter, and diced onions. Reduce to low heat, cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until onions soften. Increase heat to medium, uncover, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 -
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns light golden. Remove pan from heat and slowly whisk in the warm milk and beef stock. Return to heat and whisk constantly for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
04 -
Add kosher salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper to the sauce, stirring well. Incorporate the shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, and caramelized onions; stir until all cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
05 -
Pour cheese sauce over cooked elbow macaroni. Add shredded rotisserie chicken and gently fold until evenly combined.
06 -
Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded Gruyère cheese.
07 -
Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, until topping is golden brown.
08 -
Remove from oven, season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped fresh thyme before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat enhances their natural sweetness and flavor depth.