Savory Chicken and Vegetable Loaf Recipe

Savory Chicken and Vegetable Loaf Recipe

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 4 large eggs

• Salt (to taste)

• 1 tsp oregano (1 g)

• 100 ml milk (1/2 cup)

• 100 g flour (3/4 cup)

• 70 g cheese (grated, 2/3 cup)

• 3 medium-sized potatoes (about 450 g, peeled and grated)

• 1 medium-sized zucchini (about 200 g, grated)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• 1 medium-sized red onion (about 100 g, diced)

• 1 medium-sized chicken fillet (about 200 g, diced)

• 150 g mushrooms (sliced, about 1 cup)

• Black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp dried garlic (2 g)

• 2 tbsp sour cream (30 g)

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp sour cream (30 g)

• Salt (to taste)

• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is ready by the time the loaf is assembled.

2. Grate the Vegetables: Peel and grate the potatoes and zucchini. Set them aside. The grating allows the vegetables to integrate smoothly into the loaf, ensuring even cooking and a soft texture.

3. Dice the Onion and Chicken: Dice the red onion and chicken fillet into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

4. Grate the Cheese: Grate the cheese and set it aside. The cheese adds a savory richness to the batter, making the loaf more flavorful.

5. Slice the Mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms, ensuring they are of similar size for even cooking.

Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken fillet and cook until it’s browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced red onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Potatoes and Zucchini: Stir in the grated potatoes and zucchini, cooking until they are slightly tender. This should take about 5 more minutes. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried garlic. The vegetables should be cooked just enough to soften but not fully cooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Prepare the Batter:

1. Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth and slightly frothy.

2. Mix in Other Ingredients: Add the milk, flour, grated cheese, oregano, and a pinch of salt to the beaten eggs. Mix well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

3. Combine with Vegetables and Chicken: Stir in the sautéed vegetables and cooked chicken, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed in the batter. The batter should be thick and well-mixed, holding the  vegetables and chicken together.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Grease the Loaf Pan: Use the olive oil to grease a loaf pan thoroughly. This prevents the loaf from sticking to the pan and helps it brown nicely.

2. Pour the Mixture: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.

3. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The loaf is ready when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should be firm to the touch and slightly risen

Prepare the Topping:

1. Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth. This creamy topping adds a tangy contrast to the savory loaf.

Serve:

1. Cool and Slice: Allow the loaf to cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Once cooled, remove the loaf from the pan and slice it into thick pieces.

2. Serve with Topping: Serve the slices warm, with a dollop of the sour cream topping on the side or spread on top. The loaf is delicious on its own or paired with a fresh  salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Success

• Grating Vegetables: Ensure the grated potatoes and zucchini are well-drained before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture, which can make the loaf too soft.

• Seasoning: Taste the vegetable mixture before combining it with the batter to adjust seasoning as needed. This ensures the loaf is flavorful throughout.

• Loaf Texture: If you prefer a denser loaf, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour. For a lighter texture, reduce the flour slightly or beat the eggs more vigorously.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 110mg

• Sodium: 300mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 16g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 12g

Conclusion

This Savory Chicken and Vegetable Loaf is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory cheese, all baked into a deliciously satisfying dish. Whether served as a main course or as part of a larger meal, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The creamy sour cream topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite rich and flavorful. Enjoy this versatile and nutritious dish with your family and friends!