Chicken Au Gratin 🍗
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting embrace of this Chicken Au Gratin casserole, where tender potatoes and succulent chicken mingle harmoniously beneath a blanket of luscious cheese sauce. A household favorite, this dish offers versatility, welcoming substitutions like turkey, ham, or shrimp with open arms.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 lb potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 – 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a large baking dish, ensuring it’s spacious enough to accommodate the casserole.
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Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the shallots and garlic, cooking gently for a few minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let them brown. Gradually whisk in the flour, then pour in the cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated cheese and green onions until well combined. Set the sauce aside.
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Assemble Casserole: Spread the diced chicken evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then pour about 1 cup of the cheese sauce over the chicken.
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Layer Vegetables: Arrange the carrots and green beans over the chicken and sauce layer.
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Add Potatoes: Cover the vegetables with half of the sliced potatoes.
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Top with Sauce: Pour half of the remaining cheese sauce over the layer of carrots, beans, and potatoes.
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Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the first layer, then pour the remaining cheese sauce over them.
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Final Touch: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
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Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve: Once cooked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve it hot, savoring each bite of this comforting and satisfying dish.
Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this Chicken Au Gratin, a surefire winner for any mealtime occasion! 🌟
