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Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin: A Comforting and Delicious Dish
Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings? Look no further than Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin! This creamy and comforting casserole brings together the rich flavors of chicken, eggs, and macaroni, all baked to golden perfection in a cheesy, savory sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that combines the goodness of protein and pasta in one delicious bite.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and delightful recipe for Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Macaroni gratin is the ultimate comfort food that’s warm, creamy, and satisfying.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or hard-boiled eggs, this is a great way to turn them into a new, delicious meal.
- Easy to Make: The recipe requires basic ingredients and is quick to put together, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
Now, let’s dive into how to make this creamy, cheesy, and absolutely tasty Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; leftover chicken works great)
- 1 cup macaroni pasta (or any small pasta like penne or fusilli)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional for extra depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the macaroni in salted water according to the package directions until it’s al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you like your macaroni slightly firmer, cook it a minute less to prevent it from getting too soft during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using leftover chicken, great! If not, simply cook chicken breasts, thighs, or rotisserie chicken and shred or dice it. This will serve as the main protein in the gratin. You want about 2 cups of cooked chicken for this recipe.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk it together to form a roux. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color (this helps eliminate the floury taste).
Slowly add 1 ½ cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Gratin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir everything together until it’s evenly coated.
