Potato, Spinach, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Potato, Spinach, and Chicken Casserole is a warm and comforting dish filled with rich flavors from tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that combines hearty potatoes, fresh spinach, and a flavorful egg mixture, making it a complete and satisfying meal for family dinners or gatherings. The best part is that it’s customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

  • 4 Chicken Eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning)
  • 100 ml Milk
  • 3 tablespoons Flour
  • 28 g (1 oz) Spring Onions, chopped
  • 28 g (1 oz) Parsley, chopped
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • 85 g (3 oz) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 4 Potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 Zucchini, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for vegetables)
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • Olive Oil, for sautéing
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1 Chicken Fillet, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 Sweet Fresh Pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning the entire casserole)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Sweet Paprika
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • 54 g (2 oz) Spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 85 g (3 oz) Mozzarella Cheese, for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

  • Peel and slice the 4 potatoes into thin rounds for even cooking.
  • Boil the sliced potatoes in a large pot with water for about 5 minutes to partially cook them. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, grated carrot, and chopped zucchini to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables soften, about 7 minutes.
  • Add the sweet pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to taste.
  • Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the 4 eggs, 100 ml milk, and 3 tablespoons flour. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the chopped spring onions and chopped parsley, mixing well.

4. Layer the Casserole:

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
  • Grease a 27×18 cm (10×7 inches) baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  • Begin layering by placing a layer of boiled potato slices at the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly on top of the potatoes.
  • Add the chopped cooked chicken fillet on top of the vegetables.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the dish, ensuring it covers everything.
  • Sprinkle 85 g (3 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole for a cheesy finish.

5. Bake the Casserole:

  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes at 180°C (360°F), or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
  • After the initial baking, add an additional 85 g (3 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then return the casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions.
  • Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful casserole.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. With a Simple Green Salad: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light and refreshing side dish.

  2. With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for an extra dose of nutrients.

  3. As a Meal Prep Option: This casserole makes excellent leftovers, so consider preparing it in advance and storing individual portions for easy reheating.

  4. Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with additional chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Cooking Tips:

  1. Use Uniform Potato Slices: Ensure the potatoes are sliced evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and blend well with the other ingredients.

  2. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to the casserole to enhance its nutritional value and flavor.

  3. Make it Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, use low-fat mozzarella cheese and milk. You can also skip the cheese on top for a less indulgent option.

  4. Pre-cook the Chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or shredded chicken for a quicker assembly.

  5. Adjust Seasonings: Season according to your taste. Feel free to add extra herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Variations to Try:

  1. Vegan Version: To make this casserole vegan, use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken and substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese.

  2. Cheesy Cauliflower Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that still provides a comforting texture.

  3. Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños to the vegetable mix for a spicy, Mexican-inspired twist.

  4. Spicy Casserole: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the casserole for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

  5. With a Crusty Topping: Top the casserole with a mix of bread crumbs, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for a crispy, golden crust.

Conclusion:

This Potato, Spinach, and Chicken Casserole is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and creamy cheese, making it perfect for a cozy meal. Whether you’re serving it to guests or preparing it for a busy weeknight, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s flexible enough to be customized to your preferences, and it makes great leftovers, too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just bake it for about 50 minutes if chilled.

  2. Can I freeze the casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 180°C (360°F) for about 30 minutes.

  3. Can I substitute the chicken? Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a different protein.

  4. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

  5. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour in the egg mixture and ensure the cheese is gluten-free.

  6. How do I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or fresh chili peppers to the vegetable mixture for extra heat.

  7. Can I use a different cheese? Yes, feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, feta, or gouda, depending on your preferences.

  8. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrients.