This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With layers of seasoned minced chicken, tender potatoes, and a rich cream sauce, it’s a complete meal in one dish. Herbs like oregano and basil give it a fragrant touch, while cheese and butter make it rich and flavorful.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Potato Layer:

Potatoes (enough to cover the base of your baking dish)
Butter for greasing

1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)

For the Chicken Mixture:

600 g minced chicken
1 egg
200 g cheese (grated, divided)

Parsley (chopped, to taste)
1 onion (finely diced)

For the Creamy Sauce:

Butter for sautéing

1 onion (finely diced)
1 carrot (grated)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)

250 ml cream

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and slice the potatoes thinly. This will help them cook evenly in the oven.
Grease the base and sides of a baking dish with butter.

Lay the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish in an even layer. Sprinkle with oregano and basil for seasoning.

2. Make the Chicken Mixture:

In a bowl, combine the minced chicken, one egg, half of the cheese, and chopped parsley. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
Mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic.
Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.

4. Assemble the Layers:

Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layer in the baking dish.

Next, spoon the chicken mixture on top of the vegetables, spreading it out in an even layer.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same pan used for sautéing the vegetables, add a little more butter if needed. Pour in the cream and gently heat it over low to medium heat.
Once the cream starts to bubble slightly, season with salt, pepper, and more herbs if desired. Stir well.

6. Pour and Bake:

Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and potato layers in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a golden, cheesy finish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 45 minutes.

For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil and let the top become golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve:

Once done, remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve hot.

Cooking Tips:

Thinly Sliced Potatoes: Slicing the potatoes thinly ensures they cook through evenly with the chicken and other ingredients.
Cheese Options: You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any meltable cheese you prefer.
Seasoning: Adjust the herbs and spices to your taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mixture.

For a Crispier Top: If you like a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 520mg

FAQs:

Can I substitute the minced chicken?
- Yes! You can use minced turkey, beef, or even pork as an alternative to chicken.
Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach would make great additions to this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.

What can I serve with this dish?
- A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair perfectly with this creamy bake. Crusty bread is also a good option for soaking up any extra sauce.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese, all brought together with a smooth cream sauce. It’s an easy meal to prepare and can be adapted with different herbs and vegetables, making it versatile and family-friendly. Whether for a weekday dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table!