Potato and Chicken Cheese Bake
Description: A hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy potatoes in a deliciously baked casserole. The layers of seasoned chicken and thinly sliced potatoes are smothered in cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. This is the perfect dish for a family dinner or a weekend gathering.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cock Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for extra flavor)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly into strips or cubes.
Assemble the bake:
Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Top the potatoes with a layer of sliced chicken.
Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken layer.
Repeat the layers, alternating between potatoes, chicken, and cheese, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Add the cream and broth: In a bowl, mix the heavy cream (or milk) with the chicken broth, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Cholesterol: 85mg
Calcium: 350mg
Iron: 2.5mg
FAQs about the Recipe:
1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, frozen chicken can be used. Just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, or even a combination of milk and a little olive oil to get a creamy texture.
3. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can swap out cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or any other melty cheese you prefer.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
5. Can I add vegetables? You can definitely add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to make the dish more nut
ritious.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily customized based on your preferences!