Layered Chicken and Potato Bake with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This comforting layered chicken and potato bake is the ultimate all-in-one dinner dish. Tender slices of seasoned chicken fillet are baked over soft potatoes, layered with a rich egg-sour cream filling and topped with golden cheddar cheese and a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for when you want something warm, filling, and packed with homestyle flavor, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that feels both rustic and gourmet.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes (15 minutes uncovered + 20 minutes covered)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: Eastern European / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken Layer

• 500 g chicken fillet, thinly sliced

• Salt, to taste

• Black ground pepper, to taste

• Ground paprika, to taste

For the Egg-Cream Layer

• 4 eggs

• Salt, to taste

• 3 tbsp sour cream

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• A bunch of parsley, finely chopped

For the Potato Base

• 4 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp salt

• Butter, for greasing

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cheese & Mushroom Topping

• 100 g cheese (such as mozzarella), grated

• 150 g mushrooms, sliced

• Butter, for sautéing

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp flour

• 120 ml cream

• 150 g cheddar cheese, grated

• A bunch of fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken fillets into thin strips or medallions. Season with salt, black pepper, and a generous pinch of paprika. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Egg-Cream Mixture
In a bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Add a pinch of salt, then mix in the sour cream and flour until smooth. Stir in the chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Step 3: Parboil and Prepare Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, ideally 3–4 mm thick. Place them in a pot with 1 tbsp salt and cover with water. Bring to a boil and parboil for 5–6 minutes. Drain well. Grease a baking dish with butter and begin layering the potatoes at the bottom.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Spread this onion-garlic mixture evenly over the potato layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Layer
Arrange the marinated chicken slices over the sautéed onions and potatoes. Spread evenly to ensure every bite has meat.

Step 6: Pour Egg Mixture Over
Pour the prepared egg and sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken layer. It will bind everything together as it bakes and add a custard-like texture that’s rich and creamy.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Cheese
Sprinkle the 100 g of grated cheese (such as mozzarella or a mild melting cheese) over the top of the egg layer.

Step 8: Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In a pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the mushrooms. Sauté over medium-high heat until browned and moisture evaporates, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in 1 tbsp of flour. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly add the cream, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Simmer until thickened. Stir in the dill and remove from heat.

Step 9: Add Cheddar and Mushroom Sauce
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the partially assembled dish. Pour the mushroom cream sauce over the top, spreading evenly to cover the surface.

Step 10: Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until golden, bubbly, and cooked through.

Step 11: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to settle for easier serving. Garnish with additional dill if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Carbohydrates: 22 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: Moderate

• Calcium: High

Origins and Popularity

This layered dish draws from classic Eastern European casseroles, combining the humble ingredients of chicken, potatoes, and cream in a family-style bake. Similar dishes are popular across Slavic and Central European countries, where layering meats, starches, and dairy is a time-honored method for building rich, filling meals. The addition of a creamy mushroom sauce adds a refined touch, making it equally fitting for weeknight dinners and festive occasions.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Hearty and satisfying main dish that feeds a crowd

• Elegant layers of flavor with simple, accessible ingredients

• Make-ahead friendly—perfect for prepping the night before

• Customizable with cheese, vegetables, or herbs

• Freezer-safe and great for leftovers

Health Benefits

• Lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein

• Potatoes are rich in potassium and fiber

• Eggs and sour cream add calcium and essential fats

• Mushrooms bring umami and immune-boosting nutrients

• Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add antioxidants

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp cucumber salad or fresh tomato slices

• Add a side of steamed green beans or peas for contrast

• Pair with sourdough bread or rye rolls for a rustic meal

• Enjoy with a glass of dry white wine or herbal tea

• Add a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki for extra zest

Cooking Tips

• Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking

• Parboil potatoes to reduce oven time and ensure softness

• Let the dish rest after baking for clean slices

• Use a mix of cheeses (like mozzarella and cheddar) for richer flavor

• Bake uncovered first to brown the top, then cover to avoid drying out

Variations

• Vegetable-rich: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers

• Spicy version: Use smoked paprika, chili flakes, or cayenne in the chicken seasoning

• Low-carb: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips

• Cheese-lovers: Add crumbled feta or gouda in the middle layer

• Mushroom swap: Use shiitake or portobello for deeper flavor

Conclusion

This layered chicken and potato bake with creamy mushroom sauce is everything a comfort dish should be—warm, rich, filling, and deeply satisfying. With tender chicken, a custardy egg layer, soft herbed potatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. It’s a versatile recipe that’s both approachable and impressive, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular rotation in your meal planning.

FAQ

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, just reduce the initial baking time by 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

4. What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and don’t become mushy.

5. Can I skip the mushrooms?
Yes, or replace them with another vegetable like spinach or zucchini.

6. How do I make it more spicy?
Add chili powder or cayenne to the chicken seasoning or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.

7. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tbsp flour to help thicken it.

8. What other herbs can I use?
Thyme, rosemary, or basil would also complement this dish nicely.

9. How long do leftovers last?
Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days.

10. Can I use other cheese types?
Yes—try gouda, Emmental, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.