Chicken breast gratin with new potatoes

Chicken Breast Gratin with New Potatoes – A Tasty Culinary Experience

When it comes to dishes that combine flavor with comfort, chicken breast gratin with new potatoes is certainly an excellent choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transform an ordinary meal into a special occasion. Moreover, it is a simple recipe with an impressive result. Let’s venture into this culinary process!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 600 g new potatoes
- 200 g cheese (preferably a good-tasting cheese, such as cow or sheep cheese)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 200 ml cream (opt for thick cream for a richer taste)
- 100 g mozzarella (for added creaminess)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (fresh, for intense aroma)
- 1 packet of Greek seasoning for chicken (or spices of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon of chili (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh dill (for a fresh taste)

Preliminary Preparations:
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. This recipe is perfect to be prepared together with family or friends, so don’t hesitate to involve someone in the process. Additionally, it is a great opportunity to learn about each ingredient.

Marinating the Chicken Breast:
1. Cut the chicken breast into thin strips. This will allow the marinade to absorb better and make the meat juicier.
2. In a bowl, combine the milk, salt, Greek seasoning (or desired spices), lemon pepper, and chili. Add the chicken strips and ensure they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is not just about flavor, but also about making the meat more tender.

Preparing the Potatoes:
1. Peel the new potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces if they are large. Then boil them in a pot of salted water for about 15 minutes, until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. This will help achieve a perfect texture in the gratin.
2. After boiling, drain them and let them cool a bit, then slice them into rounds.

Grilling the Chicken:
1. Heat a non-stick grill over medium heat. Remove the chicken breast from the marinade and place the strips on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and fully cooked. This step will add a special flavor to the chicken and a crispy texture.

Assembling the Gratin:
1. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
2. In a heat-resistant dish, grease the bottom and sides with butter and line with breadcrumbs. This will help the gratin not to stick and will add a crispy texture.
3. Arrange the potato rounds, forming an even layer at the bottom of the dish. These will form the delicious base of the gratin.
4. Cut the grilled chicken into cubes and add it over the potatoes.
5. In a bowl, beat the eggs and add the cream, chopped dill, crushed garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will add a creamy layer on top.
6. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the chicken and potatoes, then grate 100 g of cheese on top.
7. Add cubed mozzarella on top for extra creaminess and a rich flavor.

Baking:
1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and browned. You’ll smell the delicious aroma spreading throughout the house.

Serving:
1. Let the gratin cool slightly before cutting it. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, such as a cucumber salad with cream, which will add a pleasant contrast.

Suggestions and Variations:
1. If you want to add more flavor, you can add vegetables of your choice to the gratin layer, such as carrots or zucchini.
2. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as parmesan or feta, to vary the taste.
3. For a spicier gratin, you can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes to the egg mixture.

Nutritional Information:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, while the new potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates and fiber. Calories may vary depending on the ingredients used, but a serving can contain approximately 450-500 calories. It’s a hearty meal, perfect for a family dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken breast? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before marinating.
- Can I prepare the gratin in advance? Yes, you can assemble the gratin a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

I hope this chicken breast gratin with new potatoes recipe will become one of your favorites! It’s an excellent choice for family meals or special occasions. Enjoy!