This recipe combines a hearty baked chicken and potato casserole with a refreshing mixed salad and a creamy garlic sauce. The layers of chicken, potatoes, cream, and cheese make this casserole rich and satisfying, while the salad and garlic sauce add a fresh and tangy contrast. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 chicken eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 100 ml cream (20-30%)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 chicken fillets, diced
- Dried ground sweet paprika, to taste
- Some vegetable oil
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, shredded
For the Salad
- ½ head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 raw sweet pepper, thinly sliced
- 100 g pickled cucumbers, sliced
- 70 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g canned corn, drained
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Some vegetable oil
For the Garlic Sauce
- 60 g sour cream
- 30 g mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cucumber, finely grated
- A bunch of dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- A bunch of parsley, finely chopped
Directions
1. Prepare the Casserole
- Step 1: Whisk the Eggs and Cream
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Onions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- In a greased baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Spread the diced chicken fillets on top of the potatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Step 4: Add Tomato and Cheese
- Arrange the sliced tomato over the chicken. Pour the whisked egg and cream mixture evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Salad
- Step 1: Combine the Vegetables
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced sweet pepper, pickled cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and canned corn.
- Step 2: Season the Salad
- Drizzle with vegetable oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well to combine.
3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
- Step 1: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated cucumber, and chopped dill.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Casserole: Slice the casserole into portions and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve the Salad: Serve the salad on the side, drizzled with additional dressing if desired.
- Serve the Sauce: Offer the garlic sauce as a dip or drizzle it over the casserole.
- Pair with Bread: Add a side of crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs on top of the casserole before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Slice the potatoes thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- If the casserole starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil again for the final baking time.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prepare the salad and sauce while the casserole bakes to save time.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: High in protein and low in fat, it’s a lean meat that supports muscle health.
- Potatoes: Provide carbohydrates and potassium for energy and heart health.
- Cucumber and Lettuce: Low in calories and high in hydration, they add essential vitamins and fiber.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: No
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: No (substitute cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version).
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (355°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines hearty and fresh elements for a balanced meal.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
- Rich, cheesy, and creamy casserole paired with a crisp, refreshing salad.
- Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- The garlic sauce adds a tangy, flavorful finishing touch.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Potato Casserole with Fresh Salad and Garlic Sauce is a comforting yet refreshing meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The rich, cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with the crisp salad and creamy garlic sauce, creating a balanced dish full of textures and flavors. Make it for a family dinner, and it’s bound to become a household favorite!
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Can I substitute chicken with another protein? Yes, turkey or tofu works well as a substitute.
- Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese? Cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan are great alternatives.
- Can I make the garlic sauce lighter? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Can I add more vegetables to the casserole? Yes, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent additions.
- How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? Ensure it’s covered with foil during the first baking phase.
- Can I use fresh corn instead of canned? Yes, fresh or frozen corn works just as well.
- Can I skip the salad? The salad is optional but adds a refreshing balance to the dish.
- How do I adjust the portion size? Double the ingredients for larger gatherings or halve them for a smaller serving.
Enjoy this flavorful and hearty recipe with your loved ones! 🍴✨