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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Arrange them evenly in a baking dish.
Season the potatoes generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped chicken fillet with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano until the chicken is well-coated with the seasonings.
3. Layer It Up:
Spread the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish, making sure to cover the potatoes with the chicken.
4. Whisk the Eggs:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, and sour cream. This will create a creamy mixture that will coat the potatoes and chicken.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes, making sure it’s well-distributed.
5. Top the Bake:
Sprinkle the chopped onion and halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the top of the dish.
Finish by adding a blanket of grated mozzarella cheese on top for that rich, melty goodness.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Whip Up the Sauce (Optional):
While the bake is cooking, prepare the optional sauce by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl. Stir to combine.
Add the grated cucumber, chopped dill, and spring onions to the sauce for a refreshing and tangy addition to the dish.
8. Serve and Devour:
Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Serve it with or without the refreshing cucumber sauce, and enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful layers of this dish!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugars: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Cholesterol: 170 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This Hearty Chicken and Potato Bake combines classic comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. The use of potatoes and chicken as the base, with an egg mixture to bind it all together, makes it a satisfying dish loved by many. The optional cucumber sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors, making this dish versatile for both cozy dinners and casual gatherings.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned chicken, and creamy egg mixture creates a filling dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
Easy One-Pan Meal: This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze.
Cheesy Goodness: The melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a deliciously rich and gooey finish that makes this bake irresistible.
Optional Refreshing Sauce: The cucumber sauce offers a tangy and fresh contrast to the richness of the bake, making it even more delightful.
Health Benefits
Protein-Packed: The chicken and eggs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables, such as onions and tomatoes, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which support immune health and promote healthy skin.
Calcium: The mozzarella cheese provides calcium, which is important for bone health.
Fiber: The potatoes and vegetables contribute fiber to the dish, aiding digestion and supporting gut health.
Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a fresh green salad or a Mediterranean-style salad with olives and feta for a balanced meal.
Serve with Rice or Quinoa: To make the meal even more filling, serve the bake with a side of rice or quinoa.
With Yogurt or Sour Cream: For extra creaminess, serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or more sour cream.
Cooking Tips
Layering the Ingredients: Be sure to layer the potatoes and chicken evenly to ensure that every bite has a good balance of flavors and textures.
Check for Tenderness: Use a fork to check the tenderness of the potatoes before removing the dish from the oven. If the potatoes are not fully tender, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add a burst of flavor, but you can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil.
Variations to Try
Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the bake for extra nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Meat Alternatives: Swap the chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based protein for a different twist.
Conclusion
This Hearty Chicken and Potato Bake is the perfect combination of rich, creamy flavors and tender textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen. Serve it with a refreshing cucumber sauce for an added layer of flavor and enjoy a comforting meal that’s both hearty and delicious!
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