Baked Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

These Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes with Chicken & Vegetables are a delicious and satisfying dish featuring baked potatoes filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese. Served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a fresh salad, this dish is perfect for a hearty meal.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Potatoes

  • 3 large potatoes
  • 30ml olive oil (1/6 cup)
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • A pinch of ground black pepper
  • Parchment paper (for baking)

For the Chicken & Vegetable Filling

  • 1 chicken fillet, diced
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • A pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried garlic
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 150g cheese (0.33 lb), grated

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 150g classic yogurt (0.33 lb)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • ⅔ chopped fresh dill

For the Fresh Salad

  • 2 cucumbers, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 5 lettuce leaves, torn
  • Green onions, chopped
  • ⅓ chopped fresh dill

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Wash the potatoes, pat dry, and pierce with a fork a few times.
  • Rub the potatoes with olive oil, turmeric, and black pepper.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add diced chicken fillet, season with salt, black pepper, dried garlic, and paprika.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  • Add chopped onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in grated carrot and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Add chopped red bell pepper and diced tomato.
  • Stir everything together and cook for another 5-10 minutes until soft.

Step 4: Prepare the Potato Shells

  • Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  • Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skin.
  • Mash the scooped-out potato flesh and mix it with the chicken and vegetable filling.

Step 5: Stuff & Bake

  • Spoon the chicken-vegetable mixture back into the potato shells.
  • Top each stuffed potato with grated cheese.
  • Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes at 180°C (356°F) until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped dill.
  • Stir well and set aside.

Step 7: Prepare the Fresh Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce leaves, green onions, and dill.
  • Toss lightly and set aside.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve the stuffed potatoes hot, drizzled with garlic yogurt sauce.
  • Enjoy with a side of fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with steamed vegetables or grilled asparagus.
  • Serve with crusty bread or pita.
  • Add a side of hummus or tzatziki for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • For crispier potato skins, brush them with oil and bake an extra 5 minutes before stuffing.
  • For extra creaminess, mix some yogurt or cream cheese into the filling.
  • Use different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes provide fiber & energy.
  • Chicken is a great source of lean protein.
  • Bell peppers & carrots offer vitamins & antioxidants.
  • Garlic & yogurt aid digestion & boost immunity.

Dietary Information

  • High-protein & gluten-free
  • Can be made dairy-free (use dairy-free cheese & yogurt)
  • Low-carb option available (replace potatoes with zucchini or eggplant)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400-450 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 6g

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the stuffed potatoes (before final baking) for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make & full of bold flavors.
  • Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein.
  • Great for meal prep & reheats well.
  • A perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and fresh textures.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes with Chicken & Vegetables are a delicious, comforting, and wholesome meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just looking for a healthy homemade dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a perfectly baked, cheesy, and savory meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I use sweet potatoes instead? Yes! They add a slight sweetness.
  • How do I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Can I use ground meat instead of chicken? Yes! Try beef, turkey, or lamb.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
  • Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese & coconut yogurt.
  • How do I keep the filling moist? Add a little cream or broth to the filling before stuffing.
  • What’s the best way to reheat it? Bake or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it moist.
  • Can I add more protein? Yes! Try adding chickpeas, lentils, or extra cheese.
  • Can I make mini versions? Yes! Use small potatoes for bite-sized portions.
  • How do I make it crispier? Bake for an extra 5 minutes before serving.