Description
This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces layered over thinly sliced potatoes, smothered in a rich cream and cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this recipe combines mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary, and a blend of spices to create an irresistible meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 medium-large potatoes
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Dairy & Cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve half for topping or add extra ¼ cup)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cream (approx. 35% fat) or substitute with cooking cream
- ¼ cup milk of choice
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tsp sea salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp rosemary leaves (dried or fresh)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler/Grill: Set your broiler or grill to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for the initial cooking of the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandolin slicer or a very sharp knife, slice them thinly into rounds. Arrange the slices evenly in a lightly oiled baking dish.
- Season Potatoes: Toss the potato slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and the rosemary leaves to infuse the potatoes with flavor.
- Broil Potatoes: Place the baking dish under the broiler/grill for around 7 minutes, until the potato edges turn golden and slightly crispy, enhancing texture and taste.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the milk, cream, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Season with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix thoroughly. Reserve half of the mozzarella for topping or add an extra ¼ cup if you prefer a cheesier top layer.
- Cut and Season Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Assemble the Bake: Remove the partially cooked potatoes from the broiler/grill. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken pieces over the potatoes. Pour the creamy cheese sauce across the top. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese over the entire dish for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven set to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) fan forced. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If the cheese browns too rapidly, cover with aluminum foil and remove for the last 5 minutes to finish browning.
Notes
- Use a mandolin for even potato slices to ensure uniform cooking.
- Substitute heavy cream with cooking cream for a lighter sauce.
- Covering the dish with foil during baking can prevent the cheese from burning prematurely.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, depending on the saltiness of your cheeses.
