There’s something timeless and heartwarming about a bubbling casserole dish coming out of the oven, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas of melted cheese, golden potatoes, and seasoned chicken. This Cheesy Chicken, Potato, and Vegetable Bake is one of those recipes that never fails to please. It’s hearty yet balanced, bringing together lean protein from chicken, comforting starch from potatoes, and a colorful medley of vegetables. The eggs and milk bind everything together, creating a casserole that slices beautifully and serves as the perfect all-in-one meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe is a keeper.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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400 g (14 oz) chicken fillet, diced
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1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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A few sprigs dill, chopped
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1 tsp (2 g) curry powder
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Black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
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1 onion, diced
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1 celery stalk, chopped
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1 bell pepper, diced
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Salt, to taste
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More black pepper, to taste
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4 eggs
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120 ml (½ cup) milk
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200 g (7 oz) cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
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A few stalks green onions, chopped
Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken fillets into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, curry powder, dill, parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade, cover, and let it rest for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. Dice the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Keep them aside for layering.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with a drizzle of oil or a little butter.
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Layer the Base: Arrange half of the potato slices on the bottom of the dish in an even layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Add Vegetables and Chicken: Scatter the onion, celery, and bell pepper evenly over the potatoes. Add the marinated chicken cubes on top, spreading them out so they cook evenly.
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Top Layer of Potatoes: Place the remaining potato slices on top of the chicken and vegetables. This creates a layered effect that holds the casserole together.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with milk. Season with a little salt and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered dish, letting it seep down through the potatoes and chicken.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top. The cheese will melt and form a bubbly golden crust as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the top is golden brown.
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Finish with Green Onions: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and a pop of color. Allow the bake to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrients
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Protein: High, from chicken, eggs, and cheese
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Carbohydrates: Moderate, from potatoes and vegetables
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Healthy Fats: From cheese and eggs
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Fiber: From bell pepper, onion, celery, and herbs
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Vitamins: Vitamin C (bell pepper, parsley, dill), Vitamin A (eggs), B vitamins (chicken, onion)
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Minerals: Potassium (potatoes), Calcium (cheese, milk)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes: it’s filling, balanced, and brimming with flavor. You get the rich savoriness of chicken seasoned with curry and garlic, the creamy texture of baked potatoes, and the freshness of herbs, all tied together with cheesy goodness. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and can easily be adapted to whatever vegetables or cheese you have on hand.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Casserole-style dishes have long been staples in many cuisines, from French gratins to American baked chicken-and-potato casseroles. This recipe draws inspiration from those hearty traditions, with a Mediterranean twist from the fresh herbs and soy-based marinade. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate, created to stretch simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Ingredient Spotlight
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Chicken fillet: Lean protein that absorbs marinades beautifully.
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Potatoes: The comforting, starchy backbone of the dish.
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Cheese: A melty, golden finish that makes the bake irresistible.
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Eggs and milk: Bind everything together into a structured casserole.
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Vegetables (onion, celery, bell pepper): Add depth, crunch, and nutrition.
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Herbs (parsley, dill, green onion): Bring freshness and balance to the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15 minutes to maintain crisp edges, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Avoid freezing as potatoes may turn grainy when thawed.
Common Variations to Try
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Add more protein: Mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
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Vegetarian version: Swap chicken with mushrooms or lentils.
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Spicy kick: Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or smoked paprika.
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Cheese swaps: Try feta for tanginess, gouda for smokiness, or a cheddar-mozzarella blend for stretch.
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Lighter option: Use skim milk and reduce cheese quantity for a healthier twist.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty bread or garlic toast works beautifully for a heartier meal. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon also makes an excellent pairing.
Health Benefits
This casserole is a nutrient-dense meal. Chicken provides lean protein to support muscles, while potatoes supply potassium for heart health. The colorful vegetables add antioxidants and fiber for digestion. Eggs contribute essential amino acids and vitamins, and cheese provides calcium for strong bones. It’s a complete meal in one dish.
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Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken, Potato, and Vegetable Bake is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. It’s wholesome yet indulgent, structured yet versatile. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or enjoying leftovers during the week, this dish brings both nourishment and joy. Recipes like this remind us that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be made with care, and shared around the table.