Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gratin with Buttery Graham Cracker Topping
This gratin is a warm, comforting embrace, a dish that speaks of home-cooked luxury and simple pleasures. Imagine tender chunks of succulent chicken, nestled among vibrant green broccoli florets, all bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers of butter and milk, seasoned perfectly to enhance every ingredient. The magic truly happens with the golden, crunchy topping, a surprising blend of buttery graham cracker crumbs that provides an irresistible contrast to the creamy interior. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and a deeply satisfying savory flavor, making it an ideal meal for a cozy evening, leaving a lasting impression of hearty elegance.
Ingredients
- •2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 cm cubes
- •300 grams broccoli florets
- •3 tablespoons butter, divided
- •2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- •240 milliliters milk
- •1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- •3 graham crackers, crushed
- •1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- •1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- •Salt to taste
- •Black pepper to taste
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a small gratin dish or oven-safe casserole with a touch of olive oil.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- 4
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the mayonnaise until fully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy béchamel-like sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Gently fold the cooked chicken and broccoli florets into the creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared gratin dish, spreading it evenly.
- 6
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the crushed graham crackers until evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the gratin dish.
- 7
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbling around the edges and the graham cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
- 8
Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish.
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