This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for any day of the week. It combines tender chicken, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted Gouda cheese, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with herbs. With its savory layers and golden-baked top, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve it for a family dinner or when entertaining guests—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the Bake:
- White Onions: 2, sliced
- Olive Oil: For frying
- Chicken Breast: 1, diced (about 200g)
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon for chicken
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- Potatoes: 700g, thinly sliced
- Gouda Cheese: 150g, grated
- 18% Cream: 300 ml
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/3 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 3/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: To taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley: A bunch, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Slice the white onions and set them aside.
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and grate the Gouda cheese.
- Cook the Chicken and Onions:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken and minced garlic. Cook until chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine 18% cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, dried rosemary, ground nutmeg, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Assemble the Bake:
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
- Add the chicken and onion mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Gouda cheese over the chicken.
- Add the remaining sliced potatoes on top.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the entire dish.
- Top with the remaining grated Gouda cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer to ensure evenly thin potato slices for consistent cooking.
- Substitute Gouda with cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before layering it in the baking dish.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that supports muscle growth and repair.
- Potatoes: Provide essential vitamins, fiber, and potassium, supporting heart health.
- Gouda Cheese: Contains calcium and protein, contributing to bone health.
- Cream: Adds richness and contains healthy fats when consumed in moderation.
Dietary Information:
- Contains: Dairy (cream, cheese), Chicken
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in a suitable container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot, or in a microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- A comforting, hearty dish perfect for any occasion.
- Combines creamy, cheesy layers with tender chicken and savory herbs.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make it a staple in your recipe collection. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers, this dish delivers deliciousness in every bite. Give it a try and make it a new favorite for family and friends!
10 Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can substitute Gouda with cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and bake it when ready to serve.
- Can I use heavy cream instead of 18% cream?
- Yes, heavy cream will make the dish richer, but you can also use lighter cream or half-and-half.
- How do I make this dish vegetarian?
- Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a natural sweetness to the dish.
- Can I add more vegetables to the bake?
- Yes, adding bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli can enhance the dish with extra flavors and nutrients.
- How can I reduce the fat content?
- Use low-fat cheese, reduced-fat cream, and more vegetables to cut down on fat content.
- Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
- Yes, but fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor. Use dried parsley sparingly.
- What should I serve with this dish?
- A side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus are great options.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish?
- Grease the baking dish with olive oil or butter, or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Enjoy this creamy and savory chicken and potato bake that’s perfect for any occasion!