This Chicken and Vegetable Potato Nest Bake is a hearty, flavorful, and visually stunning dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The creamy mashed potato nests are filled with a delicious medley of chicken, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Potato Nests:
- Potatoes: 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs), mashed
- Butter: 70g (1/3 cup)
- Dried Garlic: 1/2 tsp
- Eggs: 2
- Corn Starch: 15g (1 tbsp)
- Salt: To taste
For the Filling:
- Olive Oil: 20g (1 tbsp)
- Onion: 100g (1 medium), finely chopped
- Garlic: 10g (2 cloves), minced
- Sweet Pepper: 120g (1 medium), diced
- Mushrooms: 150g, sliced
- Chicken Fillet: 250g (about 1/2 lb), diced
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Dried Basil: 1 tsp
For the Sauce:
- Egg: 1
- Sour Cream: 100g (1/2 cup)
- Turmeric: 1/4 tsp
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For Topping:
- Cheese: 70g (1/2 cup), grated
- Dill: 2 tbsp, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Potato Nests:
- Peel and boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter, dried garlic, and salt.
- Add the eggs and corn starch to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
- Shape the potato mixture into nest-like forms on a greased baking tray or in a muffin tin.
- Cook the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add sweet pepper and mushrooms. Cook until softened.
- Add the diced chicken fillet, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried basil, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Fill the potato nests with the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the filling.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the nests for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh dill over the baked nests before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- For smoother mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or mash while warm.
- Add your favorite herbs, like thyme or parsley, for extra flavor.
- Use a piping bag to shape the potato nests for a more refined presentation.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A lean source of protein.
- Mushrooms: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium and fiber.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free (Ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free).
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the fully baked nests in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A complete meal in one dish with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- Perfect for entertaining or a comforting family dinner.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Vegetable Potato Nest Bake is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the savory flavors of chicken and vegetables. It’s a surefire way to impress your family or guests with its flavor and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Absolutely, for a sweeter and more nutritious version.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch? Substitute with an equal amount of flour.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the nests and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well.
- What other vegetables can I use? Zucchini, spinach, or peas are great additions.
- Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes? Yes, mix grated cheese into the potatoes for extra richness.
- What can I use instead of sour cream? Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
- Can I freeze unbaked nests? Yes, freeze the assembled nests and bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.