Discover a mouthwatering chicken dish that combines the comfort of home-cooked meals with restaurant-quality flavors. This easy-to-prepare chicken and potato bake is a perfect weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken fillets
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb mixture
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Coat each chicken fillet thoroughly in the egg mixture.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and slice potatoes into even, thin rounds. Chop onions and slice tomatoes.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Grease a large baking dish with vegetable oil.
- Layer the Dish:
- Start with a layer of sliced potatoes
- Add chopped onions
- Place egg-coated chicken fillets on top
- Arrange tomato slices around the chicken
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour the cream evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle any remaining herbs and seasonings.
- Cheese Topping: Grate or slice mozzarella and distribute evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is golden and cooked through, and potatoes are tender.
- Final Touch: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 420-450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 3-4
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F)
- For extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking
- Choose high-moisture mozzarella for the best melting texture
- Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Alternatives: Try cheddar, gouda, or a dairy-free cheese
- Cream Substitutes: Use coconut cream or low-fat yogurt
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano
- Vegetable Options: Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets? Yes, adjust cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
Q2: Is this dish freezer-friendly? Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended due to cream sauce.
Q3: How can I make this dish healthier? Use low-fat cream and reduce cheese quantity.
Q4: Can I prepare this in advance? Assemble earlier in the day and refrigerate, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
Q5: What side dishes pair well? Green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread complement this dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to maintain texture
- Best consumed within 24-48 hours for optimal flavor and texture
Enjoy this simple yet delicious chicken and potato bake that promises to become a family favorite!