This Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole with Tomatoes and Cheese is a delightful, hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. With layers of tender chicken fillet, creamy potatoes, and savory onions, all baked under a rich egg and cream mixture and topped with juicy tomatoes and melted cheese, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and sure to be a hit at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole offers a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 600 g chicken fillet
- 5 medium potatoes
- 1 onion
- 20 g butter (for greasing the dish)
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 200 g cream (heavy or light, depending on preference)
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 tomatoes
- 100 g cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
Steps to Make Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole:
- Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a 19 cm by 29 cm baking dish with butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and add richness to the dish. - Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the onion into thin half-rings and set aside. Then, peel and cut the potatoes into thin slices. You can use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices, or a sharp knife. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl, add a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to taste, and toss to evenly season the potatoes. - Prepare the Chicken Fillet
Cut the chicken fillet into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic (if using) for added flavor. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning. - Assemble the Casserole Layers
Begin by layering the onions evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will create a sweet, savory base for the casserole. Next, spread the sliced potatoes in an even layer over the onions. Finally, place the seasoned chicken fillet pieces on top of the potato layer, distributing them evenly. - Prepare the Cream and Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream until smooth. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and continue whisking until everything is well combined. This mixture will create a creamy, custard-like base that binds the layers together as it bakes. - Pour the Cream Mixture Over the Casserole
Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the chicken, making sure it spreads evenly throughout the dish. The cream mixture will seep into the potatoes and chicken, adding a rich and flavorful texture to the casserole. - Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 200°C (390°F). During this time, the potatoes will become tender, and the chicken will cook through. - Add the Tomatoes and Cheese
While the casserole is baking, slice the tomatoes and grate the cheese. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and arrange the tomato slices on top. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the tomatoes. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust. - Serve the Casserole
Once the cheese has melted and the casserole is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your creamy chicken and potato casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
- Sodium: 450 mg
Note: Nutrition facts may vary based on portion size, specific brands, and ingredient substitutions.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes! While chicken fillet is a great choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with turkey breast, pork chops, or even ground beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
2. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda work well in this recipe. You can also mix cheeses for extra flavor.
4. How do I know if the casserole is fully cooked?
To ensure the casserole is cooked through, check that the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) when using a meat thermometer.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole:
- Slice the Potatoes Evenly
Slicing the potatoes evenly is key to ensuring they cook properly. Thin slices will become tender more quickly, while thick slices may require additional cooking time. - Use Fresh Herbs
While this recipe uses simple seasonings like salt and pepper, you can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary. Sprinkle the herbs over the top before baking for an aromatic touch. - Rest the Casserole
Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking will help the layers settle and make it easier to cut into neat slices. This also helps prevent the cream mixture from spilling out when serving. - Customize the Topping
If you’re looking for a different topping, you can swap the tomatoes for sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers. You can also add a crunchy breadcrumb topping mixed with grated cheese for extra texture.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerating:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Freezing:
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it has been cooked. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender chicken, potatoes, and onions, all smothered in a rich cream and egg mixture, this casserole bakes to perfection with a golden layer of cheese and fresh tomatoes on top. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner or at a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple, flavorful, and versatile, this casserole is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen! Bon appétit!