This Baked Chicken with Vegetables and Garlic Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s a perfect dinner for the whole family, full of flavor and easy to make. The creamy garlic sauce and melted cheese make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
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Total Time: 45-50 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size)
Full List of Ingredients
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500g chicken fillet
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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150g cheese, grated (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
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2 carrots, peeled and sliced
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 tsp Italian herbs
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1 tbsp sour cream
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1 tbsp mayonnaise
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½ cucumber, sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the Chicken
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Cut the chicken fillets into smaller pieces or strips.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
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Peel and slice the potatoes and carrots into thin rounds.
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Toss the potatoes and carrots with vegetable oil, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Dish
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Arrange the sliced potatoes and carrots in a baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
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Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
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Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the chicken.
5. Bake
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and minced garlic.
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Stir well until smooth.
7. Serve & Garnish
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Allow the baked chicken to cool slightly before serving.
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Drizzle the garlic sauce over the baked chicken and vegetables.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350-400
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Fat: 20g
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 5g
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Sodium: 500mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish takes inspiration from classic baked chicken and vegetable casseroles, which are known for being hearty and satisfying. By adding garlic sauce and cheese, this recipe takes it a step further, making it rich and indulgent. Baked chicken with vegetables is a timeless family favorite, loved for its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comforting and Hearty: A perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making it a filling meal for any occasion.
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Flavorful and Savory: The combination of roasted vegetables, melted cheese, and creamy garlic sauce creates a deliciously rich dish.
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Easy to Make: With minimal prep work, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under an hour.
Health Benefits
This dish is a good source of lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The addition of fresh parsley provides antioxidants, and the garlic in the sauce adds flavor and health benefits, such as supporting heart health.
Serving Suggestions
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With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
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With Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling meal, serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
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With a Vegetable Side: Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans complement the flavors of this dish perfectly.
Cooking Tips
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Sear the Chicken First: For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken pieces in a hot pan before adding them to the baking dish.
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Use a Baking Dish with a Lid: If you don’t have foil, use a baking dish with a lid to cover while baking to keep the moisture in.
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Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or even gouda, for different flavor profiles.
Variations to Try
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Add More Vegetables: You can add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the baking dish for added texture and flavor.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a bit of heat.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based chicken and dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Baked Chicken with Vegetables and Garlic Sauce is a simple, satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table. The creamy garlic sauce, cheesy topping, and tender chicken make this meal incredibly flavorful and hearty. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special family meal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the leftovers can be frozen. Once cooled, store the dish in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of fillets?
Yes, chicken breasts will work well in this recipe. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter or vegan version of the dish.
5. How do I make this dish spicier?
You can add chili flakes to the garlic sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before baking.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, provolone, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I cook the chicken in a different way?
Yes, you can grill or pan-fry the chicken instead of baking it in the dish.
9. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado oil or canola oil.
10. Can I add other herbs?
Yes, you can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the dish for extra flavor.