Chicken and mushroom gratin is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
For the chicken and mushroom filling:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 250g (about 2 cups) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (Gruyere or Parmesan works well)
For the topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them back to the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the chicken and mushroom mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Optionally, sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of grated cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken and mushroom gratin!
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or peas for extra flavor and nutrients.
