This Cheesy Baked Chicken with Vegetables & Garlic Sauce is a delicious, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken fillet, creamy cheese, and a medley of seasoned vegetables. The rich garlic sauce adds a tangy, creamy finish, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying meal prep option.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 3-4
Ingredients
- 500g chicken fillet
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 150g cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled & sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled & sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ cucumber, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken fillets into smaller pieces.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Set aside while preparing the vegetables.
- Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Peel and slice the potatoes and carrots into thin rounds.
- Toss with vegetable oil, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Arrange the sliced potatoes and carrots in a baking dish.
- Place the seasoned chicken fillet pieces on top.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, and minced garlic.
- Stir well until smooth.
- Step 7: Serve & Garnish
- Let the baked chicken cool slightly before serving.
- Drizzle with garlic sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Garnish with sliced cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce.
- Drizzle with extra garlic sauce for a creamier texture.
- Add a side of roasted bell peppers or zucchini for more color.
Cooking Tips
- For extra juiciness, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- For crispy cheese topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- For more heat, add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken is a lean source of protein.
- Carrots and potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and energy.
- Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Sour cream & cheese add calcium and healthy fats.
Dietary Information
- High-protein & gluten-free
- Can be made low-carb (replace potatoes with zucchini or cauliflower)
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze 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 prepare and packed with flavor.
- Rich, cheesy, and creamy with a garlicky kick.
- Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
- Customizable with different vegetables and cheeses.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Chicken with Vegetables & Garlic Sauce is a comforting, hearty, and delicious meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of fillets? Yes! They will add extra juiciness.
- Can I skip the sour cream in the sauce? Yes! Use Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead.
- How do I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and a cashew or coconut-based sauce.
- Can I cook this in an air fryer? Yes! Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble everything and store in the fridge overnight, then bake when ready.
- How do I keep the chicken juicy? Cover with foil while baking, then remove for the last few minutes.
- What’s the best cheese for this dish? Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda work best.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes! Reduce baking time to 15 minutes.