This Potato Spinach Casserole with Chicken and Zucchini is a hearty, nutritious, and utterly delicious dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender potatoes, vibrant spinach, juicy chicken, and zucchini slices blend harmoniously, baked to perfection under a melted mozzarella cheese topping. This casserole not only comforts the palate but also brings nutritional benefits and colorful appeal to your dining table.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: European
Ingredients
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4 medium potatoes
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200 g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
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400 g chicken breast fillet, diced into cubes
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1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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4 large eggs
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100 ml milk
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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85 g mozzarella cheese, grated
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28 g spring onions, finely chopped
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28 g fresh parsley, chopped
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Olive oil, as needed
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1½ teaspoons salt (divided)
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Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin rounds. Place them in a pot filled with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and boil for approximately 10 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Spinach and Chicken
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add chopped onions, sautéing until translucent. Add diced chicken, season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 7–8 minutes).
Add chopped spinach into the skillet, cooking until wilted. Stir occasionally to blend flavors, then set aside the cooked chicken and spinach mixture.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Stir in finely chopped spring onions, parsley, and additional black pepper to enhance flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Grease an oven-safe casserole dish lightly with olive oil. Arrange half of the boiled potato slices evenly on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the zucchini slices over the potatoes.
Add half of the chicken and spinach mixture, spreading evenly. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, zucchini, and chicken-spinach mix.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, allowing it to seep down into the layers.
Sprinkle the top generously with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese on top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set properly.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: ~350 kcal
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Protein: 29 g
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Carbohydrates: 31 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Fiber: 5 g
Origin and Popularity
This casserole finds its roots in Central European cuisine, known for comfort foods that blend potatoes, vegetables, and meats into hearty oven-baked dishes. Potato casseroles have historically been popular in countries like Germany, Austria, and neighboring regions, beloved for their warmth and nourishing qualities. This Potato Spinach Casserole with Chicken and Zucchini is a hearty, nutritious, and utterly delicious dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender potatoes, vibrant spinach, juicy chicken, and zucchini slices blend harmoniously, baked to perfection under a melted mozzarella cheese topping. This casserole not only comforts the palate but also brings nutritional benefits and colorful appeal to your dining table.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
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Balanced and Nutritious: Rich in proteins from chicken and eggs, with fiber and vitamins from spinach, zucchini, and potatoes, it makes a well-rounded, wholesome meal.
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Family-friendly: Its mild, comforting flavor appeals to children and adults alike.
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Easy Preparation: Quick assembly and straightforward ingredients make it perfect for weekday dinners.
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Versatility: You can easily adapt the recipe with additional veggies, cheeses, or seasonings to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Health Benefits
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Spinach: Loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants which promote good health.
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Chicken: Provides lean protein necessary for muscle growth and repair.
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Zucchini: Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants beneficial for digestion and skin health.
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Potatoes: Good source of potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and dietary fiber.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot from the oven with fresh crusty bread or garlic toast. Complement it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or pair it with steamed vegetables for additional nutrition.
Cooking Tips
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Ensure potatoes aren’t over-boiled; slightly firm slices will hold shape better in the casserole.
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Use fresh spinach over frozen for optimal texture and taste.
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Allow casserole to rest briefly before slicing for neater servings.
Variations
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Substitute chicken with turkey, sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Replace mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or parmesan to explore new flavor combinations.
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Spice up your dish with a pinch of chili flakes or paprika.
Conclusion
Potato Spinach Casserole with Chicken and Zucchini is truly a comforting and satisfying dish that your entire family will adore. Combining healthy, everyday ingredients into one deliciously baked meal makes dinner both easy and enjoyable. With layers of nutritious vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and a tempting cheese topping, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy hearty comfort food without compromising on health benefits.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw it completely and drain excess moisture thoroughly.
2. How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?
Up to 3–4 days stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate, then bake fresh when needed.
4. Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely, it freezes well wrapped securely for up to 2 months.
5. Can I use other vegetables?
Certainly, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all work wonderfully.
6. What type of potato works best?
Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold for best results.
7. Can I omit flour?
Flour thickens the egg mixture, but it can be replaced with cornstarch or omitted if necessary.
8. Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and cheese with dairy-free options available.
9. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add chili powder, cayenne, or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Enjoy your wholesome Potato Spinach Casserole with Chicken and Zucchini!