This Chicken Fillets with Potato and Mozzarella recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a savory topping of mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The crispy potatoes, seasoned chicken fillets, and melted cheese come together to create a meal that’s both delicious and filling. The creamy dressing with sour cream, mayonnaise, and tomato sauce adds a rich flavor that enhances the entire dish. Whether served alongside a fresh salad or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
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For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 chicken eggs
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 100 ml cream (33% fat)
- 1 onion
- Some vegetable oil for frying
- 3 potatoes
- Salt to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika to taste
- Dried ground garlic to taste
- Some vegetable oil for frying
- 3 chicken fillets
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika to taste
- Dried ground garlic to taste
- 2 tomatoes
- 100 g hard mozzarella cheese
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For the Dressing:
- 60 g sour cream
- 40 g mayonnaise
- 30 g tomato sauce
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cucumber
- A bunch of dill
- 5-6 canned green olives, pitted
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
- In a bowl, whisk the 4 chicken eggs with salt, pepper, and 100 ml of cream. Set aside.
- Peel and chop 3 potatoes into thin slices. Season with salt, sweet paprika, and dried garlic.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the potato slices until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Slice the onion and sauté in a pan with vegetable oil until softened.
- Season the 3 chicken fillets with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and dried garlic. Cook the chicken fillets in the pan until browned on both sides and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Slice the 2 tomatoes and prepare the mozzarella cheese by grating or slicing it into pieces.
- In a baking dish, layer the fried potatoes, sautéed onion, and chicken fillets. Top with the sliced tomatoes and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- While the dish is baking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Chop the cucumber, dill, and olives, and add them to the dressing.
- Once the dish is baked, remove it from the oven and serve with the dressing on the side or drizzled over the top.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 35 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from European and Mediterranean cuisines, where baked dishes with meat, potatoes, and cheese are staples. Chicken, potatoes, and cheese have long been beloved ingredients in home-style cooking, especially in comfort food recipes. Dishes that combine these ingredients are popular for their hearty, satisfying nature and versatility in being adapted with various spices and seasonings.
The use of cream and eggs in this recipe adds richness and tenderness to the chicken, and the combination of mozzarella with the crispy potatoes creates a mouthwatering texture contrast. This type of dish is often found in many European and Middle Eastern cuisines, where layers of ingredients are baked together to develop deep flavors. While it may not have a singular origin story, it is certainly a popular go-to for home cooks looking to make a delicious and comforting meal for their families. Over time, variations of this recipe have spread across the globe, gaining popularity due to its easy preparation and hearty flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Fillets with Potato and Mozzarella recipe is a one-dish meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. The blend of seasoned chicken, crispy potatoes, and gooey mozzarella makes every bite irresistible. The creamy dressing adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish, making it perfect for those who love creamy, comforting meals. Plus, this dish is quite versatile, and you can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a small gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken and eggs, which are important for muscle growth and repair. The potatoes offer carbohydrates, giving you energy, while the cream and cheese add calcium for healthy bones. While this dish is a bit indulgent due to the cream, mayonnaise, and cheese, it’s balanced with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and dill, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
However, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, as it is a calorie-dense dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with a low-fat alternative and reduce the amount of cheese used. Overall, this recipe offers a hearty meal that’s satisfying and nourishing when enjoyed in balance with a healthy diet.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Fillets with Potato and Mozzarella recipe is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of fresh green salad for some added crunch. A light vinaigrette or a tangy citrus dressing would complement the richness of the dish. For a fuller meal, serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce or dressing. The creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty dish, making it a great pairing.
Tips
- If you want to make this dish even easier, consider using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken fillets instead of cooking them yourself.
- Adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. Add extra spices like cayenne or chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- You can prepare the potatoes and chicken ahead of time and assemble the dish when ready to bake.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the layers before baking.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Instead of chicken, try using hearty vegetables like zucchini or eggplant in place of the meat.
- Cheese Swap: Swap mozzarella for a different cheese like cheddar or gouda for a more pronounced flavor.
- Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, add crispy bacon bits to the potatoes or the chicken layers before baking.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy paprika in the seasoning mix to give the dish a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fillets with Potato and Mozzarella recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. With a balance of crispy, tender, and cheesy elements, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers an impressive result, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether served with a side salad or a fresh dressing, this dish is versatile, customizable, and always delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and chicken ahead of time, assemble the dish, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cream and mayonnaise.