Chicken Pie - Argentine Chicken Gratin

Chicken Pie - Argentine Chicken Gratin

Welcome to an exciting culinary journey, where we will discover together the traditional recipe for Chicken Pie, an emblematic dish from Argentine cuisine. This chicken gratin, combined with its rich flavors and comforting consistency, is perfect for gathering the family around the table and celebrating the beautiful moments of life.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken breasts (approximately 350 g)
- 150 g diced ham
- 150 g fresh peas
- 1 large onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese (or Penteleu, my preferred choice)
- 5 potatoes
- 250 ml sour cream
- chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- salt, pepper, paprika (to taste)

Recipe preparation:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water. This step is essential for achieving a soft and flavorful base for the gratin. Let them boil until tender, but not too long, to avoid them breaking apart. Once boiled, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them.

2. Preparing the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil. Add the whole chicken breasts and fry them over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. It is important to cook them evenly to achieve a juicy texture.

3. The vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion, and dice the green bell pepper. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and release their flavors.

4. Adding the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix well, then add the diced ham and fresh peas. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sauté everything for 8-10 minutes. These flavors will combine beautifully, creating a delicious filling.

5. Assembling the gratin: Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a baking dish or individual ramekins, pour the chicken and vegetable mixture. Arrange the potato slices on top, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then cover everything with sour cream and grated cheese.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is nicely browned and gratinated. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

7. Serving: Once the gratin is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with chopped parsley for a fresher look. It is delicious served plain, but also pairs well with a fresh green salad for a pleasant contrast.

Tips and useful advice:

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, keeping the other ingredients to create a tasty vegetarian gratin.
- Cheese: If you want a creamier texture, you can use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits:

This chicken gratin is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast and ham. Additionally, peas and vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, which will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cooked chicken? Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it to save time.
2. How much sour cream can I add? The amount of sour cream can vary depending on preferences; you can adjust it to taste.
3. Can it be made with sweet potatoes? Sure! Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

Ideal pairings:

This gratin pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a fresh lemonade. Additionally, an arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic dressing would complete the meal perfectly.

A personal note:

This recipe reminds me of evenings spent with friends, when everyone contributed to preparing the meal. Chicken Pie is more than just a dish; it is a way to create memories and share beautiful moments. I hope it becomes a family favorite for you as well!

Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious Chicken Pie, a true feast of flavors! Bon appétit!