This Herbed Chicken and Veggie Egg Bake is a versatile, protein-packed casserole that brings together tender chicken, garden-fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and cheesy goodness in a single dish. Layers of shredded potatoes, zucchini, onions, and peppers mingle with a fluffy egg-and-milk custard, studded with mozzarella and ribbons of spring onion, dill, and parsley. Baked until golden and set, it offers crispy edges and a soft, silky center. Whether you need a hearty breakfast, a comforting dinner, or a make-ahead brunch centerpiece, this recipe delights with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes (for binding)
Bake Time: 30 minutes at 180 ยฐC (355 ยฐF)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
โข 4 large chicken eggs
โข Salt, to taste (about ยผ tsp)
โข Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
โข 100 ml milk
โข 100 g all-purpose flour
โข 1 bunch spring onions, chopped (white and green parts)
โข 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
โข 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
โข 50 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
โข 4 medium potatoes, peeled and shredded
โข 1 medium zucchini, shredded
โข 1 onion, finely diced
โข 1 carrot, grated
โข 1 red bell pepper, diced
โข 1 chicken fillet (โ200 g), cooked and shredded
โข 1 raw sweet bell pepper, diced
โข 100 g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
โข 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
โข 5 Tbsp cornstarch
โข 200 g all-purpose flour, for dusting
โข Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Combine Vegetables & Chicken: In a large bowl, mix shredded potatoes, zucchini, onion, carrot, both peppers, spinach, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
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Bind with Cornstarch: Sprinkle 5 Tbsp cornstarch over the mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand of vegetable and chickenโthis absorbs excess moisture and ensures compact patties.
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Form Patties & Chill: Divide mixture into eight equal portions. Shape each into a firm patty about 2 cm thick. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
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Prepare Savory Custard: Meanwhile, whisk 4 eggs, 100 ml milk, 100 g flour, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until smooth. Fold in spring onions, dill, parsley, and 50 g mozzarella. Set aside.
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Fry Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium. Lightly dust chilled patties with 200 g flour, shaking off excess. Fry 3โ4 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper-towelโlined plate.
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Assemble the Bake: Preheat oven to 180 ยฐC. In a greased baking dish, arrange fried patties in a single layer. Pour the herbal egg-cheese custard evenly over and allow it to seep around the patties.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the 150 g grated mozzarella over the custard.
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Bake to Finish: Bake 30 minutes until the custard is fully set, puffed, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving; serves 6)
Calories: 320 kcal โข Protein: 18 g โข Carbohydrates: 28 g โข Fat: 16 g โข Fiber: 4 g โข Sodium: 320 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Egg-based bakes have roots in Italian frittatas and Spanish tortillasโrustic dishes meant to stretch ingredients into a filling meal. By adding potatoes and vegetables, home cooks created layered casseroles in France and Central Europe, often enriched with dairy for holidays and Sunday brunches. The addition of chicken modernizes the classic, offering extra protein. Thanks to social media meal-prep trends, such casseroles are celebrated for their make-ahead convenience, adaptable ingredients, and ability to feed a crowd with minimal cleanup.
Reasons Why Youโll Love the Recipe
โข One-Dish Meal: Protein, vegetables, and starch in a single bake.
โข Customizable: Swap herbs, cheeses, or veggies to suit your pantry.
โข Make-Ahead Friendly: Patties and custard can be prepped hours ahead.
โข Kid-Approved: Crispy edges and cheesy interior appeal to all ages.
Health Benefits
โข Balanced Nutrition: Combines lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
โข High Fiber: Potatoes, zucchini, spinach, and peppers support digestion.
โข Vitamin-Rich: Fresh herbs and vegetables deliver vitamins A, C, and K.
โข Calcium & Protein: Eggs and cheese promote bone and muscle health.
Serving Suggestions
โข Herb Salad: Arugula and radicchio with lemon vinaigrette for brightness.
โข Bread Basket: Crusty baguette or garlic-butter toast to soak up custard.
โข Light Soup: Pair with tomato-basil or a chilled cucumber soup for contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
โข Skipping Chill Time: Unchilled patties fall apart in the pan.
โข Overmixing Custard: A gentle whisk preserves a tender bake.
โข Crowding the Skillet: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispness.
Pairing Recommendations
โข Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or rosรฉ enhances herbal notes.
โข Beer: Belgian witbier or lager balances richness.
โข Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with mint or ginger ale for zing.
Cooking Tips
โข Uniform Patties: Use a scoop to ensure even cooking.
โข Herb Prep: Chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly.
โข Cheese Grate: Freshly grate mozzarella for better melt and texture.
Similar Recipes to Try
โข Potato and Leek Gratin: Layers of potatoes, leeks, and cream.
โข Vegetable Frittata: Oven-baked eggs with mixed vegetables and cheese.
โข Chicken and Spinach Quiche: Flaky crust filled with creamy egg custard.
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Variations to Try
โข Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeรฑo to the patties.
โข Herb Swap: Use basil and oregano instead of dill and parsley.
โข Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with chickpea flour batter and use vegan cheese.
Ingredient Spotlight
Parsley
Parsley isnโt just a garnish; itโs rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and adds a bright, grassy note. Finely chopped, it infuses the bake with freshness and aids digestion with its natural enzymes.
Conclusion
The Herbed Chicken and Veggie Egg Bake is a celebration of hearty ingredients and fresh flavors, offering a make-ahead solution thatโs as comforting as it is versatile. With its crisp potato patties, silky egg custard, and melting cheese, every slice delivers texture and taste. Whether youโre feeding family, entertaining friends, or planning meals for the week, this one-dish wonder will become a trusted favorite in your culinary repertoire.
FAQ Section
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Can I assemble the bake the night before?
Yesโrefrigerate assembled casserole covered and bake straight from cold, adding 5 minutes to cooking time. -
What chicken works best?
Use leftover roasted chicken or poach a fillet in seasoned water until cooked through, then shred. -
Can I freeze leftovers?
Portion cooled slices into freezer bags for up to 2 months; reheat in a 180 ยฐC oven for 10โ12 minutes. -
How do I prevent soggy patties?
Drain shredded potatoes and zucchini thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture. -
Can I use other cheeses?
AbsolutelyโCheddar, Fontina, or Gruyรจre offer different flavor profiles; blend for complexity. -
Is there a gluten-free option?
Replace flour and cornstarch with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend certified for baking. -
My custard didnโt setโwhy?
Ensure correct egg-to-liquid ratio and bake fully; underbaking leaves a runny center. -
How can I add more vegetables?
Fold in cooked broccoli florets, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients. -
What side dishes pair well?
Crisp salads, roasted asparagus, or grilled mushrooms complement the bakeโs richness. -
How do I reheat individual servings?
Warm in a microwave for 30 seconds, then crisp under a broiler for 1โ2 minutes if desired.