Chicken, Mushroom, and Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe
Description:
A delightful twist on the classic French Potato Au Gratin, this Chicken, Mushroom, and Broccoli Au Gratin brings together tender chicken breasts, earthy button mushrooms, and vibrant broccoli, all sautéed in herbed butter for rich, savory flavor. Layered with a creamy, cheesy white sauce and topped with breadcrumbs and more melted cheddar, this dish is baked to perfection, offering a golden, crisp topping that adds the perfect contrast to its rich, velvety interior. This comforting, flavorful casserole makes for an ideal lunch or dinner, combining the warmth of a gratin with the nutritional benefits of chicken and vegetables.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| For the White Sauce | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Cheddar Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| For the Gratin | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts (diced) | 100 grams |
| Button Mushrooms (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Broccoli (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken, Mushrooms, and Broccoli:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the salted butter and let it melt.
- Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Next, add the chopped mushrooms and broccoli to the pan. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and the water evaporates. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, black pepper powder, and salt. Stir well to combine, then turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
-
Make the White Cheese Sauce:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over low heat.
- Once melted, add the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to prevent lumps, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light golden and the flour is toasted.
- Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to ensure the sauce remains smooth. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Once thickened and glossy, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set the white sauce aside.
-
Assemble the Gratin:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and allow it to fully heat for 10 minutes.
- Grease an 8-inch by 4-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Start by layering the cooked chicken, mushrooms, and broccoli mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the prepared white cheese sauce evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure it covers them well.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs on top, followed by an even layer of grated cheddar cheese.
-
Bake the Gratin:
- Place the baking dish in the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Keep an eye on it to ensure that the top doesn’t burn, adjusting the temperature or time as necessary.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the Chicken, Mushroom, and Broccoli Au Gratin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the gratin hot alongside a side of Healthy Multigrain Dinner Rolls and a fresh Sweet Potato & Green Bean Salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch of indulgence, pair it with a Red Wine Sangria Cocktail.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Tips:
- For a more indulgent version, use heavy cream instead of milk in the white sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey breast or even cooked chicken leftovers for a quicker meal.
- Add some grated parmesan to the breadcrumb topping for an extra crunchy and cheesy layer.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower for a variety of flavors.
This Chicken, Mushroom, and Broccoli Au Gratin is not just a meal but a comforting experience that will impress family and guests alike. The creamy texture of the white sauce combined with the savory vegetables and tender chicken makes it a perfect addition to any lunch or dinner table. Enjoy this classic continental dish with a modern twist!
