I’ve perfected this recipe that combines crispy potato exterior with a savory chicken and cheese filling, creating an impressive dish that’s both comforting and elegant. This Eastern European-inspired recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret lies in the dual cooking process: first creating a perfectly seasoned potato base that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling, then rolling and baking again to achieve that golden, cheesy crust. The result is a delightful contrast of textures – crispy exterior, creamy potato layer, and juicy chicken filling.
Ingredients
For the Potato Base:
- 4-5 medium potatoes (about 1 kg/2.2 lbs)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 small onion
- 2 tablespoons (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour
For the Chicken Filling:
- 200g (7 oz) chicken breast
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 each red and green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/3 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (1g) cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon (2g) paprika
- 60g (2 oz) mozzarella cheese
For Topping:
- 60g (2 oz) mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
Essential Equipment
- Box grater
- Clean kitchen towel
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Potato Base
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the potatoes:
- Peel and grate the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater
- Immediately place in cold water to prevent browning
- Drain and squeeze thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel
- This step is crucial for achieving the right texture
- Create the potato mixture:
- Combine squeezed potatoes with finely chopped bell pepper
- Add minced onion and chopped parsley
- Mix in eggs, salt, pepper, and flour
- Stir until everything is well combined
Making the Filling
- Prepare the chicken mixture:
- Dice chicken breast into small, uniform pieces
- Finely chop onion, garlic, and bell peppers
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent (about 3-4 minutes)
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink
- Add peppers and seasonings, cooking for 5 more minutes
- Stir in first portion of mozzarella until melted
Assembly and Baking
- Form the base:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Spread potato mixture evenly into a rectangle
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden
- Add filling and roll:
- Let base cool slightly
- Spread chicken filling evenly
- Use parchment paper to help roll tightly
- Top with remaining cheese and parsley
- Final bake:
- Return to oven for 10-15 minutes
- Cheese should be melted and bubbly
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing
Storage and Reheating
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through
- Not recommended for freezing
Nutritional Information
(Per serving – serves 6)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Pro Tips for Success
- Squeeze potatoes as dry as possible
- Let potato base cool slightly before adding filling
- Don’t overfill or roll too tightly
- Use parchment paper to help with rolling
- Let rest before slicing for cleaner cuts
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a light green salad
- Add a dollop of sour cream
- Pair with roasted vegetables
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping
This elegant twist on traditional comfort food is perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your everyday dinner. The combination of crispy potatoes, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese creates an impressive dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.