This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender grated chicken breast, creamy cheese, and crispy grated potatoes to create a satisfying meal cooked in a single skillet. Paired with a refreshing side salad dressed in a tangy citrus and soy sauce dressing, this recipe is perfect for a balanced lunch or dinner. The chicken and potato skillet offers a delightful mix of textures, while the vibrant salad adds a fresh and nutritious touch to the meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Potato Skillet:
- 1 frozen chicken breast (grated)
- 2 eggs
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 100g cheese (grated, save some for topping)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 potatoes (grated, liquid squeezed out)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Butter (for cooking)
- Extra dill (for garnish)
For the Fresh Salad:
- Lettuce leaves (chopped)
- 8 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 red pepper (sliced)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 pear (sliced)
For the Salad Dressing:
- Juice of 1/2 orange
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Potato Mixture
- Grate the chicken breast: Begin by grating the frozen chicken breast using a large grater. Grating the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Mix with eggs and seasoning: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated chicken with 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, and freshly chopped dill. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Chop the onion and cheese: Finely chop 1 onion and grate 100g of cheese. Add the onion and most of the cheese (reserve some for later) into the chicken mixture. Stir in black pepper, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and the minced garlic clove.
- Prepare the potatoes: Grate the 2 potatoes and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel or paper towels. This step is essential to achieve a crispy texture. Add the grated potatoes to the chicken mixture and mix well.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken Potato Skillet
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and a small knob of butter over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken mixture: Spread the chicken and potato mixture evenly in the skillet. Cook for about 15 minutes with the lid on, allowing the ingredients to set and become crispy on the bottom.
- Flip and continue cooking: After 15 minutes, carefully flip the skillet mixture using a spatula or by sliding it onto a plate and flipping it back into the pan. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Finish and garnish: Once cooked through and golden on both sides, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with extra dill for a fresh touch.
Step 3: Preparing the Fresh Salad
- Chop the vegetables: Wash and chop the lettuce leaves, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, red pepper, and red onion, and slice the pear.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red pepper, red onion, and pear.
Step 4: Making the Citrus Dressing
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1/2 orange, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the vegetables and pear slices evenly.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad alongside the crispy chicken and potato skillet.
Cooking Tips:
- Frozen chicken: Using frozen chicken makes it easier to grate, but if you prefer, you can use fresh chicken breast and finely chop it instead.
- Grating the potatoes: Squeezing out the liquid from the grated potatoes is key to achieving a crispy texture. You can use a cheesecloth or kitchen towel to help with this process.
- Cheese variation: For a different flavor, substitute mozzarella or cheddar cheese for the cheese in the skillet.
- Salad dressing: Adjust the dressing’s sweetness by adding a bit of honey if your oranges are not sweet enough.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
FAQs:
- Can I use other meats for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- How can I store leftovers? The chicken potato skillet and salad can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the skillet in a pan for the best texture.
- Can I make the salad dressing in advance? Yes, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick shake before using.
- What other vegetables can I add to the salad? Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado would be great additions.
- Can I bake the chicken potato mixture instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the mixture in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Conclusion:
This delicious chicken and potato skillet paired with a refreshing fresh salad is a satisfying and well-balanced meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The combination of savory, cheesy chicken and crispy potatoes with the light, tangy salad creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Serve it hot, enjoy the flavors, and make it a regular in your meal rotation!