Description
Comforting Chicken Potato Casserole with Bechamel Sauce promises a hearty meal straight from French kitchens. Creamy layers of tender chicken, silky sauce, and golden potatoes blend into a delicious harmony that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into ½-inch pieces
Vegetables and Fresh Herbs:
- 23 medium potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ bell pepper, diced
- 1 roma tomato, diced
- 23 cloves garlic, minced
- 34 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup cilantro, minced
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon oil of choice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk or half & half
- 12 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the potato foundation by arranging sliced potatoes in a 9-inch casserole dish, drizzling with oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes until edges begin to crisp.
- Create a vibrant chicken filling by sautéing onions in a pan until translucent, then adding garlic for a quick aromatic burst. Introduce chicken and cook until lightly browned, then incorporate bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, tomato paste, and selected spices. Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and chicken is fully cooked.
- Craft a luxurious béchamel sauce by melting butter and briefly sautéing garlic. Introduce flour and cook until it develops a golden hue, then gradually whisk in milk, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Construct the casserole by layering the sautéed chicken mixture over the roasted potatoes. Generously pour the velvety béchamel sauce across the top, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to create a golden, bubbling crust.
- Complete the dish by returning the casserole to the oven and baking until the cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors harmonize and settle into a comforting, creamy ensemble.
Notes
- Potato Slicing Technique: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices for even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
- Chicken Seasoning Boost: Marinate chicken in yogurt or buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure extra tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
- Sauce Smoothness: Sift flour before adding to butter to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth b
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg