This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and melted Gouda cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The rich cream sauce and golden cheese topping make every bite irresistible. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a warm and hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- White onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken breast: 1, diced into bite-sized pieces
- Black pepper: To taste
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (for chicken)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Potatoes: 700 g (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
- Gouda cheese: 150 g (5.3 oz), grated
- Cream (18%): 300 ml (1 1/4 cups)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (for cream mixture)
- Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, dried
- Nutmeg: 1/3 teaspoon, ground
- Oregano: 3/4 teaspoon, dried
- Black pepper: To taste
- Parsley: A bunch, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Onion Mixture
- Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet with the onions. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Slice the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a mandolin slicer if available for uniform slices, which helps in even cooking.
- Layer the Potatoes: Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Layer with Chicken and Onion Mixture: Spread the chicken and onion mixture evenly over the layer of potatoes.
- Add the Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining potato slices over the chicken mixture, arranging them neatly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Mix the Cream and Spices: In a bowl, combine the 18% cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, rosemary, nutmeg, oregano, and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all the spices are fully incorporated into the cream.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes and chicken in the baking dish. Gently press down the top layer to ensure the cream is well distributed.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
- Top with Gouda Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Gouda cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. This will create a deliciously golden and bubbly crust.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Parsley: Once the dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Hot: Serve the creamy chicken and potato bake hot, straight from the oven. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 250g)
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake
- Cheese Variations: Swap Gouda for other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish with added vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach layered between the potatoes and chicken for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted Gouda cheese in one satisfying meal. The aromatic herbs and spices elevate the dish, making it perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Easy to make and utterly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness!
