This hearty and wholesome dish of chicken and potatoes with a creamy topping is a comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner or any special occasion. The tender chicken fillets and crispy roasted potatoes are topped with a rich, creamy mixture and finished off with fresh tomatoes. The accompanying salad, full of fresh vegetables, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Preparation Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 55 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
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3 chicken fillets
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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800 g (1.76 lbs) potatoes, peeled and chopped
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1 tablespoon rosemary
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2 tablespoons oil
For the Creamy Topping:
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2 eggs
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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200 ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
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2 tablespoons flour
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100 g (3.5 oz) grated cheese
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2 tomatoes, sliced
For the Salad:
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Arugula
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Sliced cucumbers
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Halved cherry tomatoes
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Sliced red onion
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Sliced avocado
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Olives
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This will ensure that it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the potatoes.
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Season the Potatoes: Toss the peeled and chopped potatoes in 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary in a baking dish. Rosemary provides a fragrant herbal flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. Place the potatoes in the oven and bake them for 35 minutes or until they become golden and tender.
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Season and Cook the Chicken: While the potatoes are baking, season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken fillets until they are golden brown on all sides. This step should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
Prepare the Creamy Topping:
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Whisk the Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. Then add the heavy cream and flour, whisking until smooth. This mixture will create a rich, creamy topping for the chicken and potatoes.
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Assemble the Dish: After the potatoes have finished baking, place the golden chicken fillets on top of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring the sauce is spread evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the mixture and layer with the sliced tomatoes. The cheese will melt and form a golden crust while baking, adding an irresistible flavor to the dish.
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Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Prepare the Salad:
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Mix the Salad Ingredients: While the chicken and potatoes are baking, prepare the fresh salad. In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, sliced avocado, and olives. This salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy main dish.
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Season the Salad: Season the salad with salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. The olive oil enhances the fresh flavors of the vegetables and ties everything together.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken and potatoes are baked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by the fresh salad on the side.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair this dish with crusty bread or garlic rolls for a satisfying, complete meal.
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For an extra touch, serve with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 550-600 kcal
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Protein: 45g
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 6g
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Sodium: 800mg
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Calcium: 220mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The combination of chicken and potatoes is a classic comfort food, and this recipe enhances it by adding a creamy topping, which is inspired by French béchamel sauce. This type of hearty dish is popular in many parts of Europe, especially in Mediterranean and French cuisines. The use of simple ingredients like potatoes, chicken, and cheese makes it accessible and loved by many, while the fresh salad balances the richness of the main course.
This dish is popular for its versatility and ease of preparation. It can be served for a family dinner or even a special occasion, making it a go-to recipe for many home cooks.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Deliciously Creamy: The creamy topping and melted cheese add a rich texture to the dish, making it irresistibly flavorful.
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Balanced: The fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked chicken and potatoes, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
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Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
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Customizable: You can experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, or vegetables, making it adaptable to your tastes.
Health Benefits
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High in Protein: The chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
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Packed with Vitamins: The salad ingredients, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado, provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil and avocado offer heart-healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.
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Calcium: The cheese adds calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
Cooking Tips
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Ensure Even Cooking: When frying the chicken, make sure the heat is medium to avoid burning the exterior while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added to the potatoes and chicken for more flavor.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and potatoes ahead of time and bake it just before serving for a quick and easy dinner.
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Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or gruyere for a change in flavor.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as tempeh or tofu, seasoned to your liking.
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Add More Veggies: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the potato mixture for more flavor and texture.
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Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the creamy topping or salad for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This chicken and potato casserole with a creamy topping is the perfect comfort food, combining rich flavors with the freshness of a vibrant salad. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Pair it with a fresh salad for a well-rounded, delicious meal that everyone will love.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, like cheddar, gouda, or even a dairy-free option like vegan cheese.
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How can I make this dish spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the creamy topping or season the chicken with your favorite spice mix.
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Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the chicken and potatoes ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
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Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour in the béchamel sauce and ensure the cheese is gluten-free.
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What other vegetables can I add to the salad? You can add vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even some roasted beets for extra flavor.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish.
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What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? You can use dried rosemary or another herb like thyme or oregano as a substitute.
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How can I make the dish dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the cream with coconut cream or almond milk in the topping.
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Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish can be frozen. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
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How can I make the salad dressing? For a simple dressing, mix olive oil with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a little bit of mustard.