This French-inspired chicken recipe combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese into a comforting and flavorful bake. Paired with a fresh and vibrant arugula salad, this dish is both hearty and refreshing, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. The layers of cheese, vegetables, and perfectly seasoned chicken make this recipe a true delight that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Chicken & Potato Bake:
- 700 g chicken fillet, thinly sliced
- 250 g cheese, grated (Gruyère, Emmental, or a mix)
- 1 carrot, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (a handful)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 500 g potatoes, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sweet peppers, sliced (optional for an extra layer)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon recommended)
For the Arugula Salad:
- Arugula, fresh and washed
- Bulgarian peppers (bell peppers), sliced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for dressing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheesy Chicken & Potato Bake
- Warm Up the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken fillet with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and fresh parsley.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the Chicken Layer: Spread the marinated chicken fillet slices over the potatoes in an even layer.
- Add the Carrots and Peppers: Sprinkle the grated carrot and sliced sweet peppers (if using) over the chicken.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and half of the grated cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Top with Potatoes and Cheese: Arrange the remaining potato slices over the top, season with a little more salt and pepper, and sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Prepare the Arugula Salad
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced Bulgarian peppers, cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
3. Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the cheesy chicken and potato bake hot, alongside the fresh arugula salad.
- Garnish: Garnish the bake with extra chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy this French-inspired meal with your favorite wine or beverage.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken & Potato Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese. Paired with a refreshing arugula salad, this meal offers a perfect balance of hearty and light, making it a wonderful choice for any dinner occasion. The combination of French-inspired flavors and fresh ingredients is sure to make this recipe a regular in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!