This hearty Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake combines tender chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, ham, and gooey mozzarella cheese, topped with a flavorful garlic dill sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 chicken fillets
- 500 g potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- 40 g butter
- 50 ml milk
- 200 g ham, diced
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 g mayonnaise
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika, to taste
- Dried ground oregano, to taste
- Some vegetable oil
For the Garlic Dill Sauce:
- 60 g sour cream
- 50 g mayonnaise
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped
- A bunch of dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken fillets in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Boil until cooked through. Drain, let cool, and shred or dice the chicken.
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Adjust seasoning with salt.
Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly at the base of the dish.
- Layer the shredded chicken on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Add a layer of diced ham and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Mix 50 g mayonnaise with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Spread this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Prepare the Garlic Dill Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped cucumber, and dill.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
Serve:
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm with a dollop of the garlic dill sauce on the side.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a side of garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Enjoy as a standalone main dish with the garlic dill sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add a layer of sautéed onions or mushrooms for additional flavor.
- Substitute mozzarella with your favorite melting cheese like cheddar or gouda.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein.
- Potatoes: High in potassium and dietary fiber.
- Dill and Cucumber: Add vitamins and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Serves 6)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Combines creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake with Garlic Dill Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish. With its creamy layers, savory flavors, and refreshing sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other meats? Yes, turkey or leftover roast beef works well.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze it? Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven when needed.
- What other cheese can I use? Cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese. Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
- What’s a good side dish? A fresh cucumber and tomato salad pairs well.
- Can I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- How do I prevent dryness? Cover the dish with foil during baking if it starts to dry out.
- Can I skip the mayonnaise? Substitute with more sour cream or Greek yogurt.