Cheesy French Onion Chicken Macaroni Recipe

Indulge in the comforting embrace of a classic with a twist—French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese. This recipe is a delightful fusion of the beloved flavors of French onion soup and the creamy richness of mac and cheese. Picture tender shreds of chicken nestled amidst al dente macaroni, enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, and topped with a golden crust of Gruyère—a true delight for your taste buds.

The magic begins as you caramelize onions to sweet perfection, infusing every bite with a depth of flavor that marries beautifully with the nutty notes of Gruyère cheese. This dish is a labor of love that promises to steal the show at any gathering. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving for more.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. This recipe is a nod to tradition with a modern twist, making it a versatile dish that can be a star on its own or a perfect accompaniment to your favorite proteins. Let the aromas wafting from your kitchen beckon everyone to the table, and savor each forkful of this irresistible comfort food that is bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Rich, Nutty Flavor: Gruyere cheese adds a rich, nutty melt that sets this dish apart, creating a deeply flavorful mac and cheese experience.
• Comfort Food Mashup: Combines the sweet depth of caramelized onions with the richness of cheese sauce and tender chicken, making it the ultimate comfort food mashup.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and stored for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or gatherings.
• Versatile Options: Can easily be adapted for dietary preferences by using different cheeses, stocks, or protein choices, making it a versatile dish for various preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy French Onion Chicken Macaroni Recipe Recipe

• Experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with the rich flavors of caramelized onions, cheese sauce, and tender chicken in one dish.
• The aroma of this French Onion Chicken Macaroni and Cheese will draw everyone to the kitchen, making it a star at potlucks and gatherings.
• The nutty, rich melt of Gruyère cheese sets this dish apart and creates a delicious cheese crust that everyone will love.
• This recipe is versatile – you can easily make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken or gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.
• Enjoy this dish as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables, or serve it as a side with steak or roast chicken for a special meal.
• The slow caramelization of yellow onions adds a sweet, deep flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days and reheat gently for a delicious meal anytime.
• This French-inspired mac and cheese brings together classic flavors in a modern comfort food trend that is sure to become a new favorite for chilly nights or group gatherings.

Ingredients for Cheesy French Onion Chicken Macaroni Recipe

Caramelized Onions

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

Mac and Cheese Base

• 62.5 grams all-purpose flour
• 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
• 56.5 grams mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 490 grams whole milk, warmed
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 113 grams unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 280 grams shredded rotisserie chicken
• 113 grams sharp Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
• 240 grams beef stock

Topping

• Fresh thyme, chopped for garnish
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 28 grams Gruyère cheese, shredded

Pro Tips for Cheesy French Onion Chicken Macaroni Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When caramelizing onions, patience is key. Cook them slowly over low heat until they turn a deep golden brown for maximum flavor in your French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese.

Pro Tip 2: For the most authentic French onion taste, stick with Gruyere cheese. While Swiss or fontina can be substituted, Gruyere’s rich nutty flavor truly sets this dish apart.

Pro Tip 3: To reheat leftovers, gently warm the macaroni in the oven covered with foil or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture of the cheese sauce.

How to Make Cheesy French Onion Chicken Macaroni Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, butter, and diced onions. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until onions soften. Increase heat to medium, uncover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in warm milk and beef stock. Return to heat, whisk constantly for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Flavor and Melt Cheeses

Season the sauce with kosher salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper, stirring until well combined. Add shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, and caramelized onions, stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Chicken

Combine cooked elbow macaroni with cheese sauce and shredded rotisserie chicken, gently folding until evenly mixed.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with extra shredded Gruyère cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake without covering for 12-15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Take out of the oven, season with salt and ground black pepper, and garnish with chopped fresh thyme. Serve.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the French Onion Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, allow it to cool completely before storing any leftovers. To keep the dish fresh, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it can be stored for up to four days. When reheating, it is recommended to do so gently either in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help to restore the creaminess of the sauce if needed, ensuring the flavors remain delicious.

For those looking to customize the dish, Swiss or sharp white cheddar can be used as substitutes for Gruyere cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable stock and omit the chicken. For a gluten-free option, swap out regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a one-to-one gluten-free flour for the roux. This versatile dish can be served as a main course alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, or as a delightful side dish paired with steak or roast chicken for a special meal. Add extra caramelized onions and fresh thyme for a French twist before serving for an added flavor dimension.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Gruyere cheese on hand, Swiss or sharp white cheddar can be used as substitute options. While Gruyere adds a distinct nutty flavor, these alternatives will still provide a creamy and cheesy element to the dish.

For a vegetarian version of this French Onion Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, you can easily swap the beef stock for vegetable stock and omit the shredded chicken. This modification maintains the rich flavors of caramelized onions and cheese while catering to a vegetarian diet.

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a one-to-one gluten-free flour for the roux. This adjustment ensures that individuals with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy this delicious comfort food without compromising on taste or texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic and charming touch. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra Gruyere cheese and a fresh thyme sprig for a pop of color and added flavor. The individual portions make for a delightful and eye-catching presentation at dinner parties or potlucks, allowing guests to enjoy their own cozy and cheesy dish.

Another serving suggestion is to serve the French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese in a bread bowl for a fun and interactive dining experience. Simply hollow out a round bread loaf, toast the bread pieces for dipping, and fill the bread bowl with the piping hot macaroni and cheese mixture. The combination of the creamy pasta with the crusty bread bowl creates a textural contrast that elevates the dish to a whole new level of comfort food indulgence. This creative presentation is sure to impress guests and make mealtime even more enjoyable.

FAQs for Cheesy French Onion Chicken Macaroni Recipe

Can I substitute Gruyere cheese with a different type of cheese?

Yes, Swiss or sharp white cheddar can be used as substitutes for Gruyere. However, Gruyere cheese is recommended for its rich nutty flavor that sets this dish apart.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable stock and skipping the chicken. The caramelized onions and cheese sauce provide plenty of flavor for a satisfying meatless meal.

How long can I store leftovers of this French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the macaroni in advance and bake it just before serving to maintain the best texture. This can be a time-saving option for busy weeknights or when hosting a gathering.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese is a dish that truly encapsulates the essence of comfort food. The blend of caramelized onions, creamy cheese sauce, and tender chicken provides a satisfying and heartwarming meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you are enjoying it on a cozy night in or sharing it with loved ones at a gathering, this dish never fails to impress.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to different tastes. From swapping out cheeses to making it vegetarian-friendly, feel free to make it your own.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a delicious dish of French Onion Chicken Macaroni Cheese. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and flavor to your table with every creamy, cheesy bite. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting meal and savor the wonderful flavors that come together in each mouthwatering forkful.