These spectacular loaded potato slices are the perfect combination of crispy golden potato rounds topped with savory chicken, vegetables, and melted cheese. This irresistible recipe transforms humble potatoes into a restaurant-quality dish that’s both affordable and incredibly satisfying. With their crispy exterior and flavorful toppings, these loaded potato slices make an excellent main course, side dish, or party appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Potato Base:
- 680g (1.5 lbs) medium potatoes, cut into 2cm (3/4 inch) thick slices
- 3 large eggs
- 3g (1/2 teaspoon) salt
- 2g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper
- 50ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
- 15g (1 tablespoon) all-purpose flour
- 3g (1/2 teaspoon) paprika powder
- 45ml (3 tablespoons) olive oil
For the Chicken Filling:
- 200g (7 oz) chicken breast fillet, diced
- 3g (1/2 teaspoon) dried garlic powder
- 3g (1/2 teaspoon) paprika powder
- 2g (1/4 teaspoon) salt
- 1g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper
For the Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 150g (5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 80g (1/2 cup) leek, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 60g (1/4 cup) spring onions, chopped
- 100g (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil. Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and cutting as specified in the ingredients list.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into uniform slices approximately 2cm (3/4 inch) thick. Using a fork, pierce each slice several times on both sides to prevent bursting during cooking and to help the seasoning penetrate.
Step 2: Create the Egg Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, milk, flour, and paprika powder until smooth and well combined. This coating will create a golden, crispy exterior on the potato slices while keeping the interior fluffy and tender.
Step 3: Coat the Potato Slices
Dip each potato slice into the egg mixture, ensuring all surfaces are well coated. Allow excess coating to drip off before placing the slices in a large skillet with heated olive oil.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Potato Slices
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated potato slices in the pan without overcrowding and cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Transfer the pan-fried potato slices to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and cooked through.
Step 6: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the potatoes bake, season the diced chicken with dried garlic powder, paprika powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden.
Step 8: Complete the Filling
Add the diced bell pepper and sliced leek to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped spring onions.
Step 9: Assemble the Loaded Potato Slices
Remove the baked potato slices from the oven. Top each golden potato slice generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture, distributing it evenly across the surface of each slice.
Step 10: Add Cheese and Final Baking
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each topped potato slice. Return to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of paprika powder. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still melted.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10 potato slices
Serving Size: 1 potato slice
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 228
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 308mg
- Potassium: 492mg
- Vitamin C: 36mg
These loaded potato slices provide an excellent source of complete protein from chicken and eggs, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and essential vitamins and minerals from the diverse vegetable mixture. The moderate calorie content makes them suitable as a main course or hearty side dish.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Version
Replace the chicken with diced firm tofu, tempeh, or additional mushrooms. Add chickpeas or black beans for extra protein and fiber. Use vegetable broth for cooking the vegetables to enhance the savory flavor profile.
Bacon and Cheese Upgrade
Add crispy bacon bits to the filling mixture and use a combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese for a richer, more indulgent flavor. The smoky bacon complements the earthy mushrooms perfectly.
Mediterranean Style
Substitute the chicken with diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add fresh herbs like oregano and basil for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
Spicy Jalapeño Version
Add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture and use pepper jack cheese for the topping. Include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning for extra heat throughout the dish.
Sweet Potato Alternative
Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes cut into the same 2cm thick slices for a naturally sweeter, more nutritious base. The sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the savory filling and add extra beta-carotene and fiber.
Vegan-Friendly Option
Use plant-based milk in the egg coating substitute (aquafaba works well), replace chicken with seasoned lentils or mushrooms, and top with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a completely plant-based version.
Breakfast Style
Add scrambled eggs to the filling mixture along with breakfast sausage instead of chicken. Top with hollandaise sauce instead of cheese for an elegant brunch presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these loaded potato slices ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato slices up to the point of adding the cheese and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes to account for the cold temperature.
What’s the best way to ensure crispy potato slices?
The key to crispy slices is the initial pan-frying step with the egg coating. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the potatoes, and don’t overcrowd the pan. The 2cm thickness allows for a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
Can I freeze leftover loaded potato slices?
Cooked potato slices can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap individually in aluminum foil and place in freezer bags. Reheat directly from frozen in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Why do my potato slices break during flipping?
This usually happens when the slices are too thin or the oil isn’t hot enough. Ensure your slices are a full 2cm thick and wait until the bottom is properly golden before attempting to flip. Use a wide spatula for support.
How do I prevent the toppings from sliding off the potato slices?
The 2cm thickness provides a good base for toppings. You can lightly score the surface with a fork before adding toppings to create texture, or ensure the filling mixture has enough moisture to help it adhere to the potato surface.
These loaded potato slices represent the perfect marriage of comfort food appeal and sophisticated flavors. The combination of crispy, seasoned potato rounds with savory chicken and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both familiar and exciting, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.