Looking for a comforting meal that’s both hearty and satisfying? This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with golden, roasted potatoes and a creamy, cheesy topping, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings. Paired with a fresh, vibrant salad, this meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 3 chicken fillets (breasts)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 800 g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1-2 tsp rosemary (fresh or dried)
- 2-3 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml thick cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 200 g cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
For the Salad:
- 100 g arugula
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- A handful of olives (black or green)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Season Potatoes: In a baking dish, add the peeled and chunked potatoes. Season them with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Drizzle with cooking oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season Chicken: While the potatoes are baking, season the chicken fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook Chicken: Heat some cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Bell Peppers: When the chicken is nearly done, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Fry them with the chicken for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Combine Chicken and Potatoes:
- Layer in Dish: Once the potatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Place the fried chicken and bell peppers on top of the roasted potatoes.
- Prepare the Creamy Topping:
- Mix Topping Ingredients: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the thick cream and flour, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Add to Dish: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top and arrange the sliced tomatoes over the cheese.
- Bake the Dish:
- Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 200°C (392°F), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious golden crust.
- Prepare the Salad:
- Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, and olives.
- Season Salad: Season the salad with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, drizzle with olive oil, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Garnish: Once the chicken and potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy: Serve the warm baked chicken and potatoes alongside the refreshing mixed salad. Enjoy the contrast of the creamy, cheesy dish with the crisp salad!
Additional Tips:
- Chicken Alternatives: Feel free to use thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a different flavor and juiciness.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the baking dish for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and potato layers ahead of time and assemble everything for baking when you’re ready to eat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions:
This meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of rice for those who want to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. For a refreshing drink, consider serving iced tea or a light white wine.