A Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting and easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken with crispy potatoes in a savory, creamy sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Chicken and Potato Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly (about 1/4 inch thick). Place them in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to season them evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little paprika or garlic powder if desired. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until browned (it doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage). Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bake:
- In a baking dish (9×13 inches works well), arrange a layer of seasoned potato slices at the bottom. Spread some of the sliced onions on top of the potatoes. Then, place the browned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes and onions.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes, making sure to cover everything.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and potatoes.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the potatoes to become tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary, if desired.
Tips:
- Variety: You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make it creamy: If you want an even richer sauce, you can mix in cream cheese or use a can of cream of mushroom soup for added creaminess and flavor.
- Crispy potatoes: If you like your potatoes extra crispy, you can par-cook the sliced potatoes in the microwave for 3-4 minutes before layering them in the baking dish.
This Chicken and Potato Bake is a simple, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner. Enjoy!
