Chicken and Vegetable Potato Nest Bake

This Chicken and Vegetable Potato Nest Bake is a hearty, flavorful, and visually stunning dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The creamy mashed potato nests are filled with a delicious medley of chicken, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
For the Potato Nests:

• Potatoes: 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs), mashed
• Butter: 70g (1/3 cup)
• Dried Garlic: 1/2 tsp
• Eggs: 2
• Corn Starch: 15g (1 tbsp)
• Salt: To taste

For the Filling:

• Olive Oil: 20g (1 tbsp)
• Onion: 100g (1 medium), finely chopped
• Garlic: 10g (2 cloves), minced
• Sweet Pepper: 120g (1 medium), diced
• Mushrooms: 150g, sliced
• Chicken Fillet: 250g (about 1/2 lb), diced
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Paprika: 1/2 tsp
• Dried Basil: 1 tsp

For the Sauce:

• Egg: 1
• Sour Cream: 100g (1/2 cup)
• Turmeric: 1/4 tsp
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

For Topping:

• Cheese: 70g (1/2 cup), grated
• Dill: 2 tbsp, chopped

Directions

• Prepare the Potato Nests:
  • Peel and boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter, dried garlic, and salt.
  • Add the eggs and corn starch to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
  • Shape the potato mixture into nest-like forms on a greased baking tray or in a muffin tin.
• Cook the Filling:
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add sweet pepper and mushrooms. Cook until softened.
  • Add the diced chicken fillet, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried basil, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
• Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
• Assemble the Dish:
  • Fill the potato nests with the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the filling.
• Bake:
  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Bake the nests for 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
• Garnish and Serve:
  • Sprinkle fresh dill over the baked nests before serving.Serving Suggestions
    • Serve as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
    • Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

    Cooking Tips

    • For smoother mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or mash while warm.
    • Add your favorite herbs, like thyme or parsley, for extra flavor.
    • Use a piping bag to shape the potato nests for a more refined presentation.

    Nutritional Benefits

    • Chicken: A lean source of protein.
    • Mushrooms: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
    • Potatoes: Rich in potassium and fiber.

    Dietary Information

    • Gluten-Free (Ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free).

    Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.):

    • Calories: 320
    • Protein: 15g
    • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fat: 16g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sodium: 420mg

    Storage

    • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • Freezer: Freeze the fully baked nests in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • A complete meal in one dish with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
    • Customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
    • Perfect for entertaining or a comforting family dinner.

    Conclusion
    This Chicken and Vegetable Potato Nest Bake is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the savory flavors of chicken and vegetables. It’s a surefire way to impress your family or guests with its flavor and presentation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
    • Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Absolutely, for a sweeter and more nutritious version.
    • What if I don’t have cornstarch? Substitute with an equal amount of flour.
    • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the nests and refrigerate overnight before baking.
    • Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well.
    • What other vegetables can I use? Zucchini, spinach, or peas are great additions.
    • Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes? Yes, mix grated cheese into the potatoes for extra richness.
    • What can I use instead of sour cream? Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
    • How do I reheat leftovers? Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
    • Can I freeze unbaked nests? Yes, freeze the assembled nests and bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.