If you’re craving something satisfying, cheesy, and cozy, this Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is your new favorite recipe. With tender bites of chicken breast, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, two types of cheese, and a dreamy sour cream–egg base, it’s the perfect one-dish meal that brings everyone to the table.
This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a beautifully layered casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekend meals. It’s also incredibly customizable, so you can swap in veggies or cheeses you have on hand.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Comfort Food / European-Inspired
Ingredients
Protein and Base
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Chicken Breast: 1 pound (500 g), diced or shredded
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Eggs: 4 large
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Sour Cream: 4 tablespoons (60 g)
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Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
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Flour: ½ cup (60 g)
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Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Vegetables
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Potatoes: 3–4 medium, peeled and diced
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Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
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Garlic: 1 clove, minced
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Mushrooms: 3–4, sliced
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Tomato: 1 large, sliced
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Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped
Creamy Sauce & Cheese
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Cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
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Flour (for thickening): 1 tablespoon
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Hard Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g), shredded
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Cheddar Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g), shredded (for topping)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Dice or shred the chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika if desired. Sauté in a skillet with a little oil until fully cooked and lightly golden, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
Peel and dice 3–4 potatoes. Place in a pot of salted water and boil until tender, around 15–20 minutes.
Drain well, mash until creamy, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sour Cream-Egg Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, flour, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and set aside. This mixture will act as a custard to bind the casserole together.
Step 4: Prepare the Mushroom Cream Sauce
In a pan, melt butter or oil and sauté the onions until soft.
Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are golden.
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour, stir for a minute, then pour in the cream. Add salt, black pepper, and chopped dill.
Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Layer the ingredients as follows:
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Mashed potatoes as the base layer
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Sautéed chicken on top
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Mushroom cream mixture
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Sliced tomatoes
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Shredded hard cheese
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Pour the sour cream–egg mixture over all
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Top with cheddar cheese
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Slice and enjoy warm, garnished with extra parsley or dill.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
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Calories: 490
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 600mg
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Calcium: 30% DV
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Vitamin A: 22% DV
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Iron: 18% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Layered casseroles like this one are popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. They’re beloved for their heartiness, affordability, and flexibility. Combining boiled potatoes, sour cream, and dill with chicken and vegetables is a traditional approach that’s been reimagined in modern kitchens with added cheese and new textures.
These dishes are ideal for using up leftovers or turning everyday ingredients into a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
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One-Pan Wonder: All your protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish
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Meal Prep Hero: Makes a big batch that reheats beautifully
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Kid-Approved: Familiar flavors with a cheesy top
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Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients go a long way
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Great for Guests: Elegant presentation, crowd-pleasing flavor
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Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses or vegetables
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High-Protein: Keeps you full and energized
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Seasonal Friendly: Use summer tomatoes or winter root veggies
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Balanced Meal: You won’t need a side dish (but we have ideas!)
Health Benefits
This dish offers a great balance of macro- and micronutrients:
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Chicken Breast: Lean, high-quality protein for muscle repair
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Eggs and Cheese: Provide vitamin D, calcium, and brain-boosting choline
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Potatoes: A great source of potassium and resistant starch
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Mushrooms and Onion: Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants
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Garlic and Dill: Support immune health
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Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene and vitamin C
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Cream and Sour Cream: Provide calcium and satisfy hunger
When made with quality ingredients and balanced portions, this recipe is a delicious way to nourish your body.
Serving Suggestions
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With a Fresh Cucumber or Garden Salad: Adds brightness
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With Pickles or Sauerkraut: For contrast and tang
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With Roasted Root Vegetables: Perfect for colder months
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With a Light Soup: Like tomato, vegetable, or clear chicken
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With Fresh Fruit for Brunch: Apples or grapes pair well
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With Yogurt Dill Sauce: Drizzle for a creamy herb topping
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With Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Adds greens to your plate
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With Flatbread or Garlic Toast: Scoop up the creamy bits
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With a Glass of Dry White Wine or Sparkling Water: Complements the richness
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With Crème Fraîche or Labneh: For an elegant twist
Cooking Tips
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Use Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley brighten the whole dish
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Grate Cheese Fresh: Avoids clumping and melts beautifully
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sauté just until golden
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Use the Right Potato: Yukon Gold or Russets are ideal
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Let Cool Before Slicing: Keeps the layers neat
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Use a Ceramic or Glass Dish: For even browning
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Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance
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Add a Crunchy Top: Use Panko or cracker crumbs for texture
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Season Layers Lightly: Every component should be tasty
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Try a Meatless Version: Add beans or lentils instead of chicken
Variations to Try
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Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne
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Vegetarian: Swap chicken for sautéed eggplant or lentils
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Use Sweet Potatoes: For natural sweetness and color
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Add Spinach or Kale: Boosts nutrients
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Cheesy Crust: Combine breadcrumbs and cheese for a gratin-style topping
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Smoked Chicken or Turkey: Adds depth
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Greek-Style: Add olives, feta, and oregano
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Add Dijon Mustard to Cream Sauce: For tang
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Replace Cream with Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option
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Add Bell Peppers: For color and crunch
Conclusion
This Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Cream is comfort food at its finest—wholesome, cheesy, and packed with satisfying layers. Whether you’re serving your family, prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a homemade meal that warms the soul, this casserole brings flavor, balance, and joy to the table.
It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and endlessly delicious—exactly what a great home-cooked meal should be.
FAQ
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes! Just shred and layer as directed—saves time too.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based cream, cheese, and mayo alternatives.
3. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
4. Can I use canned mushrooms?
Yes, just drain them well before sautéing.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it GF.
6. What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead.
7. Can I omit mayonnaise?
Yes. It adds creaminess but isn’t essential.
8. Can I cook it in ramekins for individual servings?
Yes! Great for entertaining or portion control.
9. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
10. What can I substitute for dill?
Try thyme, basil, or tarragon based on your flavor preference.