This indulgent yet wholesome meal brings together tender, spice-marinated chicken fillets filled with cheese and spinach, coated in golden breadcrumbs and baked to crispy perfection. Complemented by a side of creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic, butter, and cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. The creamy filling balances the bold flavors of curry and coriander-spiced chicken, while the potato mash is elevated with a tangy homemade sauce of sour cream, mayo, mustard, and fresh dill.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner or meal prepping for a flavorful week ahead, this baked chicken and mash combo delivers everything—crispiness, creaminess, and rich aroma—in one soul-satisfying plate.
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Cuisine
Modern European comfort food with global spice influence
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fillets:
-
3 chicken fillets
-
1 tsp dried coriander
-
1 tsp curry powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil
-
1 tbsp butter
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1½ cups fresh spinach
-
Cheese slices (enough to fill each fillet)
-
1 egg
-
1 cup breadcrumbs
For the Mashed Potatoes:
-
4–5 medium potatoes
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil
-
2 tbsp butter (plus more to taste)
-
100 ml milk
-
100 g cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, shredded)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
-
2 tbsp sour cream
-
1 tbsp mayonnaise
-
1 tsp mustard
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
1 tbsp chopped dill
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken fillets if needed to ensure even thickness. Season both sides of each fillet with coriander, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
In a skillet, heat butter and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Fillings
Place sautéed spinach and a slice of cheese on each seasoned chicken fillet. Roll or fold them securely and wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up and hold shape.
Step 4: Bread and Bake the Chicken
Preheat oven to 180°C (360°F). Remove chicken from freezer, dip each fillet in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Arrange on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender. While they cook, sauté the chopped onion in oil and butter until golden. Drain the potatoes and mash with milk, cheese, butter, sautéed onions, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. This sauce adds a fresh, zesty touch to the richness of the dish.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the crispy baked chicken alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with or serve the creamy garlic-dill sauce on the side. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
-
Calories: 610
-
Protein: 38g
-
Carbohydrates: 32g
-
Fat: 36g
-
Saturated Fat: 15g
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Sugar: 3g
-
Sodium: 880mg
Origin and Popularity
Inspired by European comfort food with global flair, this dish combines familiar components—chicken, cheese, spinach, and mashed potatoes—with bold spices like curry and coriander for a modern twist. Baked instead of fried, it aligns with healthier cooking preferences while maintaining that satisfying crispiness and creamy richness everyone loves.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser across cultures and age groups, making it a favorite for family dinners, festive occasions, and cozy nights in.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
-
Complete Meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies—all in one comforting plate.
-
Healthier Baked Version: Crispy without the need to deep-fry.
-
Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
-
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chicken can be prepped and frozen in advance.
-
Homemade Sauce Bonus: Adds freshness, flavor, and flair.
Health Benefits
-
High Protein: Chicken and egg provide muscle-building protein.
-
Iron & Calcium: Spinach and cheese supply essential minerals.
-
Good Fats: Olive oil, butter, and eggs contribute heart-healthy fats.
-
Garlic & Dill: Natural immune boosters with antimicrobial properties.
-
Fiber & Satiety: Potatoes and spinach provide fiber for fullness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted carrots, or steamed broccoli for a balanced plate. Serve with warm crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade makes a great drink pairing.
Cooking Tips
-
Freeze the chicken rolls before breading for easier handling.
-
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
-
Mix cheeses—mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness.
-
Warm the milk before mashing for smoother potatoes.
-
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the mash for a subtle depth of flavor.
Variations
-
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb coating.
-
Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for mashed cauliflower.
-
Add Bacon: Tuck a crispy bacon slice inside the chicken for extra flavor.
-
Vegetarian Version: Use thick eggplant slices in place of chicken and stuff with spinach and cheese.
-
Crunchy Topping: Add crushed cornflakes or parmesan to the breadcrumb mix.
Conclusion
This Crispy Baked Chicken Fillet with Spinach and Cheese Filling paired with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Each bite delivers bold spices, cheesy richness, velvety mash, and the cool contrast of homemade dill-garlic sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping a special dinner, or simply treating yourself, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and elevated. And the best part? It’s oven-baked, family-approved, and packed with flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets?
Yes, just flatten them evenly and adjust baking time if thicker.
2. Can I air fry the chicken instead?
Yes—cook at 180°C (360°F) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or gouda adds sharpness.
4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze the chicken rolls until ready to bake.
5. Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers or a gluten-free coating instead.
6. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use non-dairy cheese, plant-based butter, and oat or soy milk.
7. Can I stuff the chicken with other veggies?
Yes—mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed onions are great.
8. How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
9. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before sautéing.
10. What else can I serve with it?
Try roasted veggies, garlic bread, or a simple arugula salad.
Would you like a Pinterest-optimized title and description for this recipe next?