This Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish perfect for any family meal or dinner gathering. Featuring tender chicken fillets, thinly sliced potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a rich, cheesy topping, this casserole is a balanced and flavorful meal all in one dish. The creamy egg mixture, combined with sweet paprika and dill, creates a savory base that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables. Whether served as a standalone dish or paired with a light salad, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Preparation Time

• • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• • 3 eggs

• • 150 ml (⅔ cup) milk or cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika

• • Pepper, to taste
  • 800 g (1.75 lbs) chicken fillet
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 small onions, thinly sliced
  • 5 potatoes, thinly sliced into circles
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

• • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 sprig dill, chopped
  • 110 g (1 cup) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

• Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. 1. In a bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 150 ml milk or cream.
   2. Season with salt, sweet paprika, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken fillets using a meat mallet to tenderize them.
2. Rub the fillets with minced garlic, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.

1. 1. Layer 1: Spread a layer of sliced onions on the bottom of the baking dish.
   2. Layer 2: Add a layer of sliced potatoes over the onions, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
   3. Layer 3: Add the sliced red bell peppers. Sprinkle chopped dill on top.

1. Layer 4: Place the chicken fillets on top of the vegetables.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cheese

1. 1. Lay the sliced tomatoes over the chicken fillets.
   2. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 60 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake Again

1. 1. Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it.
   2. Sprinkle most of the grated cheese over the casserole, saving some for the top layer.
   3. Add another layer of sliced tomatoes and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

1. Increase the oven temperature to 210°C (410°F) and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6: Serve

1. 1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   2. Serve warm as a main dish.

Nutritional Benefits

• • Chicken: High in protein, B vitamins, and iron, chicken helps support muscle health, energy production, and red blood cell formation.
  • Potatoes: Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, potatoes support heart health, aid in digestion, and contribute to a healthy immune system.
  • Tomatoes: High in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health.

• Cheese: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Casseroles are a popular comfort food across many cultures, offering an easy way to combine a variety of ingredients in a single dish. This Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese draws inspiration from various European and American baked dishes that typically combine meats, vegetables, and cheese for a fulfilling meal. Casseroles gained popularity in the mid-20th century in the U.S. as they were simple, easy to prepare, and could be made with affordable ingredients that could feed a family. The addition of cheese and tomatoes gives this casserole a modern twist, making it both indulgent and comforting. Today, casseroles are a favorite for their ability to be easily customizable with whatever ingredients are available, making them a go-to for busy families and special gatherings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• • Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese creates a rich, satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bite.

• • Versatile: This casserole can be enjoyed on its own, or served alongside other dishes such as salads, roasted vegetables, or bread for a more complete meal.
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is an accessible dish that can be made on any busy weeknight or special occasion.
  • Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, savory layers, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family, including picky eaters.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

• • Balanced Nutrients: This dish combines lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a well-rounded, nourishing meal.
  • Antioxidants: The tomatoes and dill in this dish are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Calcium and Protein: The cheese provides a good source of calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle repair and growth.

Serving Suggestions

• • With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a green salad with a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a hearty and healthy side.
  • With Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to help scoop up the cheesy, savory casserole sauce.

• For Breakfast or Brunch: This casserole also makes a great brunch dish when served with a side of fresh fruit.

Tips

• • Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach to the casserole for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Use Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta to add variety to the casserole.

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge. Simply bake when ready to serve.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Variations to Try

• • Spicy Version: Add a few jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegan cheese and plant-based milk to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sautéed mushrooms into the casserole for a rich, earthy flavor.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and gooey cheese in a satisfying, easy-to-make dish. Whether for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply a weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. With its customizable ingredients and ease of preparation, you’ll find yourself making this dish time and again.