Look no further than this ultimate Potato and Chicken Casserole. If you’re seeking something hearty, comforting, and easily prepared in advance, this is it. Chicken, tender with the flavors infused through the potatoes, leeks, and garlic, makes this all-in-one pot the midweek dinner you were hoping to have with your family. With very little effort, you will have one of the most delicious and nutritious main courses in a state of readiness to pop it in the oven. Just follow this how-to in making this mouthwatering Potato and Chicken Casserole, which will surely be one of your household staples in no time.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Potato and Chicken Casserole
For this tasty Potato and Chicken Casserole, you will need:
- 2 chicken legs or 4 drumsticks—preferably from top quality, free-range chickens for the best taste and tenderness.
- Salt: Seasoning for the chicken and enhances the overall flavor of the food.
- Paprika: Being slightly smoky in flavor, paprika also gives this chicken its nice red color.
- 1 tbsp oil: Used for frying the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Added for rich flavor.
- 400g new potatoes: I like new potatoes because they’re nice and firm to eat with a hint of sweetness; if you can only get hold of older potatoes, peel them first.
- 2 leeks, sliced into rounds, will add a mild, onion-like taste.
- ½ flat-leaf parsley bouquet: Fresh parsley gives a note of brightness and herbality to the casserole.
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock: Use high-quality store-bought or homemade chicken stock for the best flavor.
- Garlic – Adds good and strong aroma to the food.
Ultimate Potato and Chicken Casserole Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To prepare, wash and dry the chicken drumsticks or legs. Rub them thoroughly with salt and paprika; this will give the chicken flavor and give it a beautiful golden crust while frying.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Take a large frying pan and melt the butter with oil over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken legs. Fry the chicken golden brown from the outside. Notably, chicken here should not be fully cooked, since it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Get Your Veggies Prepped
During this time the chicken is browning, prepare the vegetables. For new potatoes just quarter them and for older potatoes, you will first need to peel them before cutting them into quarters. Slice the leeks into rounds and chop the parsley finely. These vegetables will contribute a great deal of variation in texture and flavor to the casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Put the quartered potatoes and sliced leeks into an ovenproof dish with a lid. Arrange the fried chicken legs on top of the vegetables. Scatter the chopped parsley and garlic cloves over and around the dish. Pour the chicken stock over everything. The chicken stock will moisten the casserole and give the vegetables some rich flavor.
Step 5: The Casserole is Baked
Preheat an oven to 200°C, or about 400°F. Cover the ovenproof dish with the lid and place inside the preheated oven. Bake the casserole for about 40 minutes, up until the point where the chicken is done all the way through and the potatoes are tender. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C, or 165°F.
Serving the Ultimate Potato and Chicken Casserole
As soon as the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Leave it aside for the flavors to join and for it to become handleable. Serve right out of the ovenproof dish into heated plates. Now, that chicken and those potatoes melt tenderly away, while the leeks blend with their slight tones and flavor into the savory chicken stock. Tasty.
The Ultimate Chicken and Potato Casserole Advance Preparation
You can prepare this casserole in advance. Follow the steps up to the baking stage, then cover the dish with a lid and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about an hour before placing it in the oven.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the casserole without losing its taste or texture, cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until fully heated through.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to customize this dish by adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers.
- Use Different Chicken Cuts: The recipe suggests chicken legs or drumsticks, but you can also use thighs or a whole cut-up chicken. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
Homemade Chicken Stock
For the best flavor, make your own chicken stock. Simmer chicken bones with vegetables, herbs, and water for a few hours, then strain the liquid. Using homemade stock enhances the taste and richness of the casserole.
With these tips, you’re all set to prepare a hearty and delicious Chicken and Potato Casserole. This all-in-one meal is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this ultimate casserole!