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This savory chicken and potato dish combines tender, crispy fried potatoes with a flavorful chicken filling and a cheesy topping that bakes into a comforting, delicious meal. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish that will please everyone at the table, offering a satisfying mix of textures and savory flavors.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients
5-6 potatoes
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1 onion
2 chicken breasts
1 teaspoon chicken spices
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 bell pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup water (240 ml)
Parsley (to taste)
Butter (1 tablespoon, to taste)
100 g (3.5 oz) cheese (grated)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Cook the Potatoes
Peel and cut the 5-6 potatoes into small pieces. Cook them in salted boiling water until tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain and mash them in a bowl.
Fry the Onion
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the 1 onion, finely chopped, and fry for about 4 minutes until it becomes transparent.
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the 2 chicken breasts into small cubes. Add them to the pan with the onion and fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden.
Add Spices and Bell Pepper
Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of chicken spices, salt, and pepper to taste. Add 1 bell pepper, chopped, and fry for another 3-5 minutes until the pepper softens.
Make the Sauce
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 cup of water (240 ml). Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat.
Mash the Potatoes
Transfer the cooked potatoes into a separate bowl. Add butter to taste, along with parsley, and mix until smooth and well combined.
Form the Balls
Shape the mashed potatoes into medium-sized balls. Place a small amount of mashed potatoes on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, add the chicken filling on top of the mashed potatoes.
Top with Cheese
Grate 100 g (3.5 oz) of cheese and sprinkle it over the chicken filling, covering it evenly.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the dish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 400 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish is a fusion of comfort food, combining the flavors of mashed potatoes with a savory chicken and vegetable filling. Potato-based dishes are popular around the world, especially in Eastern Europe, where stuffed potatoes or potato-based casseroles are a staple. The cheesy topping adds a delicious richness, making this dish even more indulgent.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling: This dish is packed with protein, vegetables, and potatoes, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Cheesy goodness: The melted cheese on top adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory chicken and potato filling.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for a dinner party.
Health Benefits
Potatoes: Provide potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, making them an excellent addition to your diet.
Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken helps build and repair muscles and supports immune function.
Cheese: Adds calcium for strong bones and teeth, as well as healthy fats for energy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad to balance out the richness. You could also enjoy it with some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Cooking Tips
Make ahead: You can prepare the potato balls and chicken filling in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Use different cheese: While Emmental is delicious, you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer.
Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices to your taste, adding chili flakes for some heat or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian version: Substitute the chicken with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and color.
Spicy version: Add chili powder or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This baked chicken and potato dish is a perfect comfort meal for any occasion. With its creamy filling, cheesy topping, and crispy potatoes, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is both satisfying and delicious.
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