This dish is the perfect balance of savory and fresh, combining juicy, seasoned chicken fillets with a creamy sauce, a crisp green salad, and a refreshing cucumber dressing. The rich flavors of the chicken fillets, infused with paprika and garlic, are complemented by the smooth, velvety sauce made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, offering a slight tanginess. The side salad adds a burst of color and freshness with bell peppers, pickled cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, and the creamy sauce brings it all together.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering, this dish offers a satisfying and wholesome meal that will impress anyone at your table. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors from the tender chicken, the zesty salad, and the creamy dressing. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Main Course:
- 2 chicken fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 onion (sliced)
- Potatoes (enough for two servings, preferably small or medium-sized)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 eggs
- 150 ml cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)
- 1 ripe tomato (diced)
- 1 small green salad (lettuce or mixed greens)
- 200 g cheese (grated, preferably mozzarella or cheddar)
For the Salad:
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 3-4 pickled cucumbers (sliced)
- A handful of cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- A few sprigs of parsley (chopped)
- Olive oil (for dressing)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cucumber (finely grated or chopped)
- A handful of fresh dill (chopped)
Steps to Prepare:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by seasoning the chicken fillets with paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices into the chicken to ensure an even coating. Set the fillets aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken Fillets:
- Heat a little olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- While the chicken is cooking, peel and cut the potatoes into cubes or wedges. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Once they are soft, drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, and fresh dill. Mix everything until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will be a creamy, tangy accompaniment to the chicken and the salad.
- Make the Salad:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, pickled cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Add the fresh chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the ingredients gently to combine. The olive oil will bring the salad together, and the garlic adds a nice aromatic touch.
- Make the Creamy Egg Mixture for the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour this mixture over the cooked chicken fillets in the skillet. Let the eggs cook slowly, creating a creamy coating over the chicken. Once the mixture has set, sprinkle the grated cheese on top and allow it to melt.
- Serve the Dish:
- Serve the chicken fillets topped with the melted cheese and creamy egg mixture on a plate. Place a side of boiled potatoes, the fresh green salad, and a generous portion of the creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Kcal (Approximate per serving):
- 550 kcal (for one serving with chicken, salad, and sauce)
Servings:
- This recipe serves 2 people.
Explanation of the Recipe:
This dish provides a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh elements, making it a complete meal for any occasion. The chicken fillets are seasoned with paprika, which infuses the meat with a smoky, slightly spicy flavor, and the addition of garlic adds depth. By cooking the chicken in a creamy egg mixture with cheese, the fillets become rich and tender, and the cheese creates a luscious, melty topping that complements the crispy chicken.
The side salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. The bell pepper adds crunch, the pickled cucumbers introduce a tangy bite, and the cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. This combination of ingredients provides the perfect balance to the dish, offering a burst of freshness alongside the hearty main course.
The creamy garlic sauce pulls everything together with its cool, tangy base, enriched by the yogurt and mayonnaise. The addition of cucumber and dill gives it a refreshing taste that works beautifully with the chicken and salad.
The versatility of this dish makes it a timeless classic. Whether served for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. The use of simple ingredients—chicken, potatoes, salad, and a creamy sauce—transforms into an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
FAQs:
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare some components in advance. The chicken and potatoes can be cooked ahead of time, and the salad can be assembled just before serving. The creamy garlic sauce can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of fillets? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that fillets are typically thinner and cook more quickly. If using breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
3. Can I substitute the cream with something lighter? If you prefer a lighter version, you can use milk or a lower-fat cream alternative like half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
4. Can I make this recipe without the cheese? Yes, you can make the recipe without the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version. The creamy egg mixture will still provide richness, and the dish will remain flavorful.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dish:
- Use fresh ingredients: The freshness of the salad and the creamy sauce will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
- Season well: Be sure to season the chicken fillets, salad, and sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning brings out the full depth of the ingredients.
- Add herbs for extra flavor: If you have fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, you can sprinkle them over the chicken or in the salad for extra flavor.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little water or extra cucumber juice to the creamy garlic sauce.
Storage Tips:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Sauce: The creamy garlic sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to recombine the ingredients.
- Salad: The salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Conclusion:
This creamy chicken fillet dish, paired with a fresh salad and flavorful garlic sauce, is a wholesome, balanced meal that’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your cooking repertoire. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, crisp potatoes, and refreshing salad makes it the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and satisfying for anyone who loves comforting yet light meals. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this dish delivers on both taste and presentation. So, gather your ingredients, try this recipe, and enjoy a flavorful and well-rounded meal!