Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Potato Mixture:

• Potatoes – 5 medium-sized, peeled and grated
• Eggs – 3 large
• Red peppers – 2, finely chopped
• Onion – 1, finely chopped
• Parsley – A handful, chopped
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons (40 grams)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (8 grams)
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

For the Chicken Filling:

• Onion – 1, finely chopped
• Vegetable oil – 2-3 tablespoons (20 ml)
• Chicken meat – 200 grams, finely chopped
• Red peppers – 2, finely chopped
• Green peppers – 2, finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (8 grams)
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Cumin – ½ teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon
• Cheddar cheese – 20 grams, grated

For the Topping:

• Cheddar cheese – 100 grams, grated
• Parsley – Chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Grate the Potatoes: Start by peeling and grating the 5 potatoes. After grating, place the potatoes in a colander and squeeze out any excess moisture. Removing excess water ensures that the casserole has the perfect texture.
2. Mix the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, 3 eggs, finely chopped 2 red peppers, 1 chopped onion, and a handful of chopped parsley. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything until well combined. The flour and eggs will help bind the potato mixture, giving it structure.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Chicken and Peppers: Add the finely chopped 200 grams of chicken, 2 chopped red peppers, and 2 chopped green peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and the peppers have softened.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the filling. Remove from heat and stir in 20 grams of grated cheddar cheese. Set the chicken filling aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Potato Mixture: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter. Spread half of the potato mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Add the Chicken Filling: Spread the prepared chicken and pepper filling evenly over the potato layer. Ensure that the filling is spread out to the edges so that every bite has a good balance of potatoes and chicken.
3. Top with Remaining Potatoes: Cover the chicken filling with the remaining potato mixture, spreading it evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Topping

1. Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are cooked through.
2. Add the Cheddar Cheese Topping: Once the casserole is almost done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle 100 grams of grated cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
3. Garnish with Parsley: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the casserole into squares or slices and serve hot. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some fresh bread on the side.

Cooking Tips:

• Removing Moisture from Potatoes: To ensure a crispier and less soggy casserole, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated potatoes. You can use a clean kitchen towel to help wring out the moisture.
• Cheddar Cheese Substitution: If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use other types of melting cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss cheese.
• Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cumin based on your heat and spice preferences. You can omit the chili flakes for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
• Vegetable Additions: You can also add other vegetables to the chicken filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, for additional flavor and texture.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 22-25 g
• Fat: 18-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
• Fiber: 4-5 g
• Sodium: 800-900 mg

This casserole offers a balanced meal with plenty of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the cheese, and carbohydrates from the potatoes. It’s also packed with vegetables, providing fiber and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of chopped chicken? Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute for chopped chicken. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I prepare the casserole in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.

3. What other types of cheese can I use? In addition to cheddar, you can use cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of different cheeses for added flavor.

4. Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add plant-based protein such as tofu or lentils.

5. How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly? Be sure to spread the potato mixture evenly in the baking dish, and if your potatoes are particularly thick, you can par-cook the grated potatoes by boiling them for a few minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients.

Conclusion:

This Potato and Chicken Casserole is a delicious, filling meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With its hearty layers of grated potatoes and seasoned chicken filling, this casserole provides a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion. The best part is that this casserole can be customized to your taste by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy weeknight or serving it fresh from the oven, this comforting dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!