Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 eggs
• 1 kg potatoes
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 liters of water
• Butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
• 2 onions (chopped)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Spring onions (for garnish)
• 5 tbsp flour
• 1 chicken fillet (cut into small pieces)
• 100g mushrooms (sliced)
• 100 ml cream (10%)
• 100g mozzarella (grated)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 200g sour cream
• 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Dill (fresh or dried, to taste)
• 3 cucumbers (sliced thinly)

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes and Chicken

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with 2 liters of water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender (approximately 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Fillet:
   While the potatoes are cooking, take the chicken fillet and cut it into small pieces. In a frying pan, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Carrots:
   In the same pan, add butter (about 1 tablespoon) and sauté the onions and grated carrot until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper. Set the cooked vegetables aside with the chicken.

Step 2: Preparing the Casserole Mixture

4. Make a Roux:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 5 tablespoons of flour. Slowly add the cream and continue to whisk until smooth and combined. This will form a creamy batter that binds everything together in the casserole.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   In the same mixing bowl, add the boiled potatoes, cooked chicken, sautéed onions and carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure that the potatoes remain mostly intact.
6. Seasoning:
   Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add a little paprika or oregano if you like extra flavor.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter. Pour the potato-chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with grated mozzarella for that cheesy, gooey finish.
8. Bake the Casserole:
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you like a crispier crust, broil it for the last few minutes of baking.

Step 3: Preparing the Sour Cream Sauce

9. Prepare the Sauce:
   While the casserole is baking, prepare the tangy sauce. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the chopped half onion. Add salt, black pepper, and fresh dill to taste. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined. Slice the cucumbers thinly and add them to the sauce for an extra crunch and freshness. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serving

10. Serve the Casserole:
    Once the casserole is baked and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the casserole warm, garnished with freshly chopped spring onions for an added pop of color.
11. Serve with Sauce:
    Serve each portion of casserole with a generous spoonful of the creamy sour cream and cucumber sauce on top. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the rich and savory casserole, providing the perfect balance of flavors.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugars: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from the refrigerator.

2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, beef, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh for a different twist.

3. Is it possible to make this dish without cheese?
Yes, you can make this casserole without cheese. If you want a creamy texture, you can use additional cream or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

5. How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Potato and Chicken Casserole

1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   Fresh chicken and vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on quality; choose ingredients that are firm and fresh.
2. Season as You Go:
   Seasoning at each stage (boiling potatoes, sautéing chicken, etc.) ensures that the casserole has layers of flavor.
3. Add Extra Herbs:
   Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a wonderful fragrance and flavor to the casserole.
4. Crispier Top:
   If you like a crispy top, finish the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration:
  Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
• Freezing:
  You can freeze the casserole for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Potato and Chicken Casserole with Sour Cream Sauce is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, the hearty combination of potatoes, chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce will be a hit every time. The crispy baked top and flavorful sour cream sauce add the finishing touches, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!