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A golden-baked Chicken & Asparagus Gratin with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping.

Chicken & Asparagus Gratin – A Creamy & Comforting Dish

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
This Chicken & Asparagus Gratin is a creamy, comforting, and nostalgic dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. With tender poached chicken, a smooth, flavourful sauce, and a crispy golden topping, it’s easy to prepare and makes a fantastic make-ahead meal. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a go-to recipe!
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Ingredients
 

For the Chicken & Sauce:

  • 1 whole chicken 1.2 - 1.5 kg
  • 1 teaspoon salt for poaching the chicken
  • 2 cups chicken stock reserved from poaching the chicken
  • 1 cup milk
  • 470 g canned asparagus cuts drained
  • 60 g butter
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1/3 cup plain flour
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 60 g melted butter

Instructions
 

Poaching the Chicken

  • Place the whole chicken in a pot and add enough cold water to come halfway up the sides. Add salt, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 70-90 minutes until tender.
  • Carefully remove the chicken and reserve 2 cups of stock from the pot.
  • Once cool, remove the chicken meat from the bones and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Making the Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in mustard and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the stock and milk mixture until smooth.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Assembling the Gratin

  • Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the chicken, asparagus, parsley, and mayonnaise.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the Topping

  • In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and melted butter.

Baking

  • Spoon the chicken mixture into a gratin dish or individual ramekins.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mixture.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.

Video

Notes

  • Tinned asparagus gives this dish a nostalgic "old-fashioned" flavor, but fresh asparagus could be used.
  • Great for leftovers! This gratin tastes even better the next day—just reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.