Layered Chicken and Potato Bake with Mushrooms, Cheese, and Tomato

This cozy, layered casserole features tender chicken fillets, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, sour cream, eggs, and bubbling cheese, topped with juicy tomato slices for a bright, flavorful finish. A comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, it brings together protein, veggies, and dairy in a balanced, oven-baked dish.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: European comfort food

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken fillet, diced or sliced

• 4 chicken eggs

• 150 g sour cream

• Salt, to taste

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• Dried sweet paprika, to taste

• 150 g hard cheese, grated (reserve some for topping)

• 500 g potatoes, peeled and chopped

• Water, for boiling potatoes

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• Vegetable oil, for cooking

• 150 g raw mushrooms, sliced

• 30 g butter

• 50 ml milk

• 1 tomato, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the water, add 30 g butter and 50 ml milk, and mash until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Layer
Dice the chicken fillet into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Set aside to marinate briefly while preparing other ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion
Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Egg and Sour Cream Mixture
In a bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 150 g sour cream. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of paprika. Stir in about 2/3 of the grated cheese, reserving the rest for topping. Mix well until creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.

1. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

2. Layer the seasoned chicken pieces over the mashed potatoes.

3. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms and onions over the chicken layer.

4. Pour the egg and sour cream mixture evenly over the top, letting it settle into all the corners.

5. Arrange tomato slices across the top.

6. Sprinkle the reserved grated cheese over the tomato layer.

Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and set. If needed, broil for the final 2–3 minutes for a crisp cheese topping.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Slice into portions and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Protein: 31 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: Moderate

• Cholesterol: 195 mg

Origins and Popularity

This kind of layered casserole is popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in family-style cuisine where potatoes, chicken, and mushrooms are often combined in baked dishes. The addition of sour cream, eggs, and cheese creates a texture that’s somewhere between a gratin and a savory pudding, resulting in a filling yet well-balanced comfort food. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable to local tastes and seasonal ingredients.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• All-in-one meal: Combines protein, carbs, and vegetables

• Great for leftovers and meal prep

• Kid-friendly and customizable

• Golden cheesy top with a creamy interior

• Simple ingredients with satisfying depth of flavor

Health Benefits

• Chicken is a lean source of protein that’s low in fat and high in B vitamins.

• Potatoes offer complex carbs, fiber, and potassium for heart health.

• Mushrooms are rich in selenium, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

• Sour cream and eggs contribute healthy fats and protein, and when used in moderation, enhance satiety.

• Tomatoes provide vitamin C, lycopene, and fresh acidity to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the creaminess

• Enjoy with a slice of rye bread or garlic toast for dipping

• Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for extra fiber

• Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Cooking Tips

• For extra creaminess, add a bit of cream cheese to the egg mixture

• To lighten the dish, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream

• Boil potatoes with garlic cloves for more depth in the mashed layer

• Use a mandoline slicer for even tomato slices

• Sprinkle paprika or breadcrumbs on top before baking for added color and crunch

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more mushrooms or sautéed spinach

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the egg mixture

• Cheese options: Use gouda, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles

• Herb infusion: Add rosemary or thyme to the mashed potatoes for an aromatic layer

• Layered twist: Alternate layers of mashed potato and meat filling in a taller baking dish

Conclusion

Layered Chicken and Potato Bake with Mushrooms, Cheese, and Tomato is a rich and comforting dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a deeply satisfying casserole. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of layered textures—from the soft mashed potatoes to the juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and golden melted cheese. Whether served at a weeknight family dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this dish is sure to warm both hearts and appetites. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a go-to bake for any season or occasion.

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Pre-cooked chicken can be used, just reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.

2. What mushrooms work best?
Champignons or button mushrooms are great, but cremini or oyster mushrooms also work well.

3. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! This is a great way to repurpose mashed potatoes from a previous meal.

4. How do I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt or a plant-based sour cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Bake it, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat from frozen at 180°C for about 45 minutes.

8. What other veggies can I add?
Spinach, peas, zucchini, or roasted peppers make great additions.

9. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.