A dinner idea

Recipe: Baked Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage Salad

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4

Discovering delicious combinations, today we will indulge in a simple and tasty dish, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner: baked chicken breast, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh cabbage salad. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers an exploration of textures and flavors, making it perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

Necessary Ingredients:

For the chicken breast:
- 2 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 300 g ground meat prepared like for meatballs (1 slice of bread, 1 garlic clove, spices of your choice)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- Oil for greasing the baking tray

For the mashed potatoes:
- 700 g potatoes (ideal for mashing)
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the cabbage salad:
- 1/2 cabbage (approximately 300 g)
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- Vinegar or lemon juice, to taste

Step by Step: Preparing the Recipe

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
- Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This step is essential to achieve beautifully browned and juicy chicken.
- Cut the chicken breast into thicker slices, about 2-3 cm. These thicker slices will help the meat stay juicy during baking.
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat prepared like for meatballs (bread, garlic, and spices) with salt and pepper until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Place the chicken slices in a baking tray lined with aluminum foil greased with a little oil. On each piece of chicken, place 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Sprinkle sweet paprika on top for an extra touch of flavor and color.
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After the time is up, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.

2. Preparing the mashed potatoes:
- While the chicken is in the oven, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Place them in a pot with cold water and salt. Add the finely chopped carrot. Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Once ready, turn off the heat and drain the excess water, leaving a little liquid for a creamier mash.
- Use a potato masher to mash them. Add the sour cream, oil, salt, and pepper, then mix well. Incorporating the chopped parsley at the end will add a fresh note to your mash.

3. Preparing the cabbage salad:
- Cut the cabbage in half and then each half into thin strips. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle salt over it. Massage the cabbage with your hands to soften it and release its juices.
- Add the diced tomatoes and fresh dill. Drizzle with oil and vinegar or lemon juice, then mix well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Assembling the dish:
- Once all components are ready, it's time to assemble the plate. Arrange the browned chicken breast slices alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes and a serving of cabbage salad. This mix of colors and textures will bring a splash of joy to your table.

Notes and Useful Tips:
- You can add other spices to the chicken breast, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme, to give it a more complex flavor.
- The mashed potatoes can be enriched with cottage cheese or grated cheese for a richer texture.
- The cabbage salad can be customized with grated carrots or bell peppers for added color.
- This dish pairs very well with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade, especially on warm days.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Answer: Yes, make sure the chicken breast is completely thawed and dried before seasoning and baking.

- Question: How can I make the mash healthier?
Answer: You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt or almond milk to reduce the fat content.

- Question: Can I store leftovers?
Answer: Yes, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Remember, meal preparation is an art, and every recipe tells a story. Whether you cook for yourself or for loved ones, enjoy every step of the process. So, put on your apron and let’s cook! Enjoy your meal!