Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Egg Bake

This Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Egg Bake is a wholesome, all-in-one meal that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a fluffy egg custard under a golden cheese crust. Inspired by traditional frittatas and gratins, it combines simple pantry staples—eggs, milk, flour, potatoes, zucchini, and more—into a crowd-pleasing bake perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Each slice reveals layers of sautéed onion, garlic, carrots, and sweet pepper, balanced by fresh dill and spring onions, with olives and cherry tomatoes added at the finish for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining guests, or prepping ahead for the week, this elegant yet easy bake delivers comforting textures and balanced nutrition in every bite.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
First Bake (Custard & Veggies): 30 minutes
Top & Finish Bake: 7 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 2 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs

• ½ tsp fine salt (for eggs)

• Generous grind of fresh black pepper

• 125 ml (½ cup) whole milk

• 113 g (4 oz) all-purpose flour

• 28 g (1 oz) spring onions, thinly sliced

• 28 g (1 oz) fresh dill, chopped

• 85 g (3 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated

• 4 medium potatoes (about 600 g), peeled and thinly sliced (3 mm)

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, diced

• 1 chicken breast fillet (about 200 g), cooked and diced

• 1 sweet bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp salt (for layers)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 28 g (1 oz) pitted olives, halved

• 28 g (1 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat oven to 180 °C (360 °F). Grease a 20×20 cm (8×8 in) baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.

2. Parboil the Potatoes
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potato slices and cook 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain and pat dry.

3. Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
   In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Add onion and carrot; sauté 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add bell pepper and zucchini; season with 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook 3 minutes more until veggies soften. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Base Layers
   Arrange half the potato slices in the greased dish. Spoon half of the vegetable mixture and diced chicken evenly over potatoes. Scatter half the spring onions and dill. Top with remaining potatoes, vegetables, chicken, and herbs.

5. Prepare Egg-Flour Custard
   In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, ½ tsp salt, and a grind of black pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in flour to avoid lumps, creating a pourable batter.

6. Pour Custard & Add Cheese
   Pour the egg mixture evenly over layered ingredients. Sprinkle grated mozzarella across the top, pressing lightly so custard seeps between layers.

7. First Bake
   Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until custard is set and cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

8. Add Olives & Tomatoes
   Remove dish from oven. Evenly distribute olives and cherry tomatoes over the surface. Return to oven for 7 minutes to warm and slightly roast the toppings.

9. Rest & Serve
   Let bake rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving; makes 6 servings)
Calories: 310 kcal • Protein: 16 g • Carbs: 30 g • Fat: 14 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 4 g • Sodium: 580 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Egg-and-vegetable bakes have roots in Italian frittatas and Spanish tortillas, which layer eggs with potatoes or greens. These simple peasant dishes evolved into modern casseroles as home cooks adapted them for ovens and added cheeses. Mediterranean influences—olives, tomatoes, olive oil—became popular through fusion cuisine. The convenience of one-pan bakes and the rising interest in meal prep have made such dishes a go-to for busy families and brunch menus around the world.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Versatile & Adaptable: Swap proteins, cheeses, or veggies to suit what’s on hand.

• One-Dish Ease: Minimal cleanup; layers cook evenly in the oven.

• Balanced Nutrition: Combines protein, dairy, vegetables, and starch.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh in the morning.

• Kid-Friendly: Mild spices and cheesy top appeal to younger palates.

Health Benefits

• Eggs & Milk: Provide high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

• Potatoes & Carrots: Supply fiber, vitamin A, and potassium for heart health.

• Zucchini & Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins C and antioxidants for immunity.

• Olive Oil & Olives: Offer monounsaturated fats and vitamin E for cardiovascular support.

• Herbs: Dill and spring onions add phytonutrients and digestive benefits.

Serving Suggestions

• Light Salad: Arugula or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette uplifts the rich bake.

• Bread: Crusty baguette or garlic bread to mop up custard.

• Sauces: A drizzle of pesto or salsa verde adds freshness.

• Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling water with lemon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uneven Potato Thickness: Slice uniformly for even cooking.

• Skipping Rest: Slicing too soon can cause the bake to collapse; rest 5 minutes.

• Overcrowding Dish: Use a large enough pan so layers cook through.

• Lumpy Custard: Whisk flour in gradually to prevent clumps.

Pairing Recommendations

• Wine: Light Pinot Grigio or dry Rosé complements the creamy egg.

• Beer: Belgian Witbier or Pilsner refreshes the palate.

• Non-Alcoholic: Iced green tea with mint or cucumber water for a crisp contrast.

Cooking Tips

• Mandoline Slicing: Speed and consistency for potatoes and zucchini.

• Protein Variations: Use ham, sausage, or tofu for different flavors.

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives; add a flax “egg.”

• Cheese Blend: Combine mozzarella with cheddar or feta for extra depth.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Spanish Tortilla de Patatas: A simpler, stovetop egg-and-potato omelet.

• Crustless Quiche Lorraine: Bacon and cheese in an egg custard without crust.

• Vegetable Strata: Bread, egg custard, and vegetables layered for breakfast.

Variations to Try

• Mexican Style: Add jalapeños, cilantro, and pepper jack cheese.

• Greek Twist: Use spinach, olives, feta, and oregano.

• Autumn Harvest: Swap zucchini for roasted butternut squash and sage.

• Spicy Kick: Stir red pepper flakes or harissa into the custard.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika imparts a deep, earthy warmth that elevates simple egg bakes without heat. Its rich, smoky aroma pairs beautifully with chicken, potatoes, and cheese, adding complexity in every bite.

Conclusion

This Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Egg Bake delivers comfort and convenience in one savory dish. With layered potatoes, vibrant vegetables, succulent chicken, and a creamy egg custard crowned by melted cheese and fresh toppings, it satisfies diverse tastes and occasions. Prepare it for a fuss-free family dinner, a make-ahead brunch, or a potluck centerpiece—its crowd-pleasing flavor and simple elegance will earn it a permanent place in your cooking repertoire.

FAQ

1. Can I assemble the bake ahead of time?
   Yes—cover and refrigerate up to 24 hrs before baking; add 5 min to bake time.

2. What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?
   Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to achieve uniform 3 mm slices for even cooking.

3. Can I substitute sweet potatoes?
   Yes—swap half or all potatoes with thinly sliced sweet potatoes; adjust bake time by +5 min.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Naturally gluten-free if flour is omitted or replaced with GF flour.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in a 180 °C oven for 10 min or microwave individual slices until warmed.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   Yes—thaw and squeeze out excess water before layering.

7. How can I make it vegan?
   Use flax eggs, plant-based milk and cheese, and tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.

8. What cheese melts best?
   Mozzarella for stretch, or mix with Gruyère for nutty flavor.

9. Why add flour to the custard?
   Flour stabilizes the egg mixture, creating a firmer custard that holds layers together.

10. Can I halve the recipe?
    Yes—use a smaller dish and reduce bake time by 5–7 minutes.