Gratinated chicken breast with potatoes

Chicken Breast Gratin with Potatoes

In a world where culinary comfort brings smiles and aligns our memories, the recipe for chicken breast gratin with potatoes proves to be not only a delicious choice but also a true feast for the soul. This simple and savory recipe is based on accessible ingredients and offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors, transforming an ordinary dinner into a celebration of taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 5-6 medium potatoes
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 400-500g)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 large onion
- 200g canned tomatoes (or fresh, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 130g cheese (preferably aged for a more intense flavor)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon butter for greasing the dish

Brief History

Gratin is a culinary technique that has evolved over the centuries, with roots in simple vegetable or meat dishes covered with cheese and baked to a golden crust. This chicken breast gratin with potatoes recipe blends tradition with innovation, offering a dish that brings the family together around the table and creates unforgettable memories.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Peel and chop the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, then wash them well. Cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm to cook evenly.
2. Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and let them boil for 10-12 minutes or until they are almost cooked but still firm (three-quarters done). Then, drain them well.
3. Prepare the chicken breast: Wash the chicken breast, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Chop the vegetables: Peel the onion and chop it finely. The carrot should also be sliced into thin rounds. If using fresh tomatoes, chop them finely.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chicken breast: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sauté them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden.
3. Add the vegetables: Incorporate the chopped onion and carrot. Cook everything together for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become slightly translucent.
4. Add the broth: Pour the cup of vegetable broth over the mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Let it simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces by half, but ensure it doesn't dry out completely.
5. Incorporate the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Assembling the Gratin

1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a heat-resistant dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the ingredients:
- Place a layer of potatoes in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle some grated cheese on top.
- Add the cooked chicken along with the vegetables, being careful to keep some of the juices.
- Then add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the juices from the pan.
- Cover everything with a generous layer of grated cheese.
3. Sprinkle the parsley: Chop the fresh parsley finely and sprinkle it on top for an added touch of freshness.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Bake the dish: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes golden and crispy.
3. Cooling: Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Useful Tips

- For an extra flavor boost: You can add spices like sweet paprika or garlic powder to the chicken mixture.
- Variations: Instead of chicken breast, you can use turkey meat or even a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This chicken breast gratin with potatoes recipe provides a balanced portion of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, while chicken breast offers high-quality protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweet note and an interesting texture to the dish.
- How can I make this dish easier? You can use frozen or pre-cooked potatoes to reduce preparation time.
- Is this dish suitable for reheating? Absolutely, the chicken breast gratin with potatoes can be reheated in the oven or microwave without any issues.

In conclusion, the chicken breast gratin with potatoes recipe is not only a delicious choice for a quick dinner but also a wonderful way to gather the family around the table and create a special moment. Cook with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!