Ingredients

• Red cabbage: 1 head (finely shredded)
• Eggs: 4 large
• Sour cream: 200 g
• Oat flakes: 150 g
• Minced chicken: 400 g
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Red onion: 1 (finely chopped)
• Carrot: 1 (grated)
• Bell pepper: 1 (finely chopped)
• Parsley: 1 bunch (chopped)
• Cheese: 100 g (grated)
• Sour cream: 2 tablespoons (for topping)
• Oil: for frying
• Butter: 20 g
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste
• Provencal herbs: 1 tsp
• Suneli hops: 1 tsp
• Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
• Curry powder: 1 tsp

Steps to Make Chicken and Red Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Shred the cabbage: Start by finely shredding the red cabbage. This will form the base layer of the casserole and add a beautiful color and texture to the dish.
2. Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the red onion, bell pepper, and grate the carrot. Set them aside separately, as they will be used in different stages of the recipe.
3. Prepare the garlic and parsley: Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley finely. These will be used for both flavoring the chicken and as garnish.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Chicken

1. Heat oil in a pan: In a large frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced chicken: Add the 400 g of minced chicken to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is fully browned.
3. Season the chicken: Add the minced garlic, 1 tsp of smoked paprika, curry powder, Provencal herbs, salt, black pepper, and Suneli hops. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the chicken with flavor.
4. Add vegetables: Toss in the grated carrot and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Oat and Egg Mixture

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, crack 4 eggs and whisk them together until well beaten.
2. Add sour cream and oats: Mix in 200 g of sour cream and 150 g of oat flakes. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined. The oats will help bind the casserole and add a healthy touch of fiber.
3. Season the mixture: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, along with a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Butter the baking dish: Grease a large baking dish with 20 g of butter to prevent sticking and add extra richness to the casserole.
2. Layer the red cabbage: Spread the shredded red cabbage evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. This will provide a fresh and crunchy base for the casserole.
3. Add the chicken mixture: Spoon the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture over the cabbage layer, spreading it out evenly across the dish.
4. Pour the oat mixture: Pour the oat, egg, and sour cream mixture over the chicken and cabbage layers. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the mixture over the entire dish.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

1. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
2. Add a dollop of sour cream: Place two tablespoons of sour cream in dollops across the top of the casserole for extra creaminess and a rich texture as it bakes.
3. Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is fully set.
4. Garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Calcium: 15% of the daily value

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for chicken, and it will still provide a lean source of protein.

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the minced chicken with a plant-based alternative like lentils, tofu, or chickpeas, and the dish will still be hearty and flavorful.

3. What are Suneli hops, and can I skip them?
Suneli hops are a traditional Georgian spice mix that adds a unique flavor to dishes. If you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or use a mix of coriander, fenugreek, and savory.

4. Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze portions of the casserole in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken and Red Cabbage Casserole

1. Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the chicken will bake in the oven, cook it just until it’s browned to avoid dryness.
2. Grate the carrot finely: This will help it blend better with the minced chicken and cook evenly within the casserole.
3. Use old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned oats work best for this recipe as they provide the right texture and absorbency. Quick oats may turn too mushy.
4. Choose the right cheese: For a rich flavor, use a cheese like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. You can mix cheeses to get a more complex taste.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs: Don’t skip the parsley garnish—it adds a burst of freshness to balance the rich flavors of the casserole.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Divide it into portions and store in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat from frozen, let the casserole thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until fully warmed.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Red Cabbage Casserole with oats and cheese is a flavorful, nutritious, and comforting dish perfect for any meal. The blend of hearty chicken, crunchy red cabbage, and creamy oats creates a balanced casserole that satisfies both your taste buds and your health-conscious goals. With a versatile ingredient list, it’s easy to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a wholesome family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.