Ingredients

For the Potato Mixture:

• 1.5 lb (about 700 g) potatoes (peeled and grated)
• 1 onion (grated or finely chopped)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons flour

For the Filling:

• 1/3 lb (about 150 g) chicken fillet (cut into small cubes)
• 1/3 lb (about 150 g) mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 1/2 lb (about 200 g) champignon mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 1/2 cup cream (20%)
• Dried garlic to taste
• Curry powder to taste
• A piece of butter (for cooking mushrooms and onions)

Garnish:

• A bunch of green onions (chopped for garnish)

Steps to Make Potato-Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Grate the Potatoes, Carrot, and Onion: Start by peeling the potatoes, onion, and carrot. Grate them all finely. If you prefer, you can also finely chop the onion and carrot instead of grating.
2. Add Garlic, Egg, and Flour: To the grated mixture, add the minced garlic, egg, and flour. Mix everything well to form a cohesive mixture. This will act as the base of your casserole, binding the ingredients together.
3. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of your favorite dried herbs or spices here for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cut Chicken into Small Cubes: Dice the chicken fillet into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and curry powder onto the chicken pieces for seasoning.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil and cook the chicken over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Set aside once cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

1. Melt Butter in a Pan: In a separate pan, melt a piece of butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté them until they are browned and tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Onions: Toss the sliced onions into the pan and cook until they become translucent and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Add dried garlic to taste for extra flavor.
4. Pour in Cream: Stir in the cream to the mushroom-onion mixture. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the Potato Mixture: In a greased casserole dish, spread half of the grated potato mixture evenly across the bottom.
3. Add Chicken and Mozzarella: Layer the cooked chicken pieces over the potato mixture, followed by a layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
4. Spread Mushroom Mixture: Pour the creamy mushroom and onion mixture over the chicken and cheese layer. Make sure the filling is spread evenly.
5. Top with the Remaining Potato Mixture: Finally, spread the remaining potato mixture over the top, making sure it covers the filling completely.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake for 35-40 Minutes: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
2. Let it Rest: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the layers hold together well.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Green Onions: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped green onions before serving. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy casserole.
2. Serve Warm: This casserole is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 380-420 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and mozzarella, making it a filling meal. The potatoes provide a hearty base, while the mushrooms and cream add richness to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella adds a mild, melty texture, you can substitute it with cheddar, gouda, or any cheese of your preference. For a stronger flavor, try adding parmesan or a mix of cheeses.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to add or substitute vegetables to suit your taste. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would make excellent additions to this casserole.

5. What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Potato-Chicken Casserole

• Grate the Potatoes Just Before Cooking: Grated potatoes can turn brown if left out too long. To avoid this, grate the potatoes just before assembling the casserole or store them in cold water until you’re ready to use them.
• Season Well: Be sure to season each layer of the casserole for the best flavor. Don’t forget to taste the potato mixture and chicken before layering them.
• Use High-Quality Chicken: Since the chicken is one of the stars of the dish, using fresh, high-quality chicken fillet will make a big difference in taste and texture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze after baking. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Conclusion

This Potato-Chicken Casserole with Mozzarella and Mushrooms is a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The creamy layers of potatoes and chicken, complemented by the rich flavors of mushrooms, cheese, and cream, make it a perfect family-friendly dish. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, homemade meal. Enjoy!