French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring sweet caramelized onions and tender chicken. This rich, cheesy dish combines creamy Gruyère and sharp cheddar with flavorful herbs for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, if using breadcrumbs)
• Fresh herbs for breadcrumb topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet aroma.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In another skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan, melt additional butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the shredded Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Mix in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the caramelized onions, cooked chicken pieces, and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine and warm through over low heat for a few minutes.
7. Step 7 (Optional): For a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Combine the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired, then sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier topping.
• Swap chicken breasts for cooked ham or bacon for additional smoky flavor.
• For extra depth, add a splash of dry white wine when caramelizing onions.
• Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle twist.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. The optional breadcrumb topping may lose its crispness upon reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne to suit your preference.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The outside should be golden brown, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.

French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 58 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful French Onion Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe featuring tender caramelized onions, juicy chicken breasts, and a rich, creamy blend of Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheeses. Finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection, this dish combines classic French flavors with a hearty mac and cheese base for an indulgent family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz elbow macaroni

Chicken

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Caramelized Onions

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp butter

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs for breadcrumb topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and slowly cook them in 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization until they become golden brown and sweetly aromatic.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything: Add the caramelized onions, sliced chicken pieces, and drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Gently stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and heat through over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
6. Optional Bake: For a crispy topping, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if using. Sprinkle evenly on top of the mac and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Serve hot.

Notes

• Do not rush caramelizing the onions; slow cooking enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting.
• The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a wonderful crunchy texture contrast.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or a milk alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French Onion Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Caramelized Onions, Gruyère Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Chicken Mac and Cheese