This Chicken and Potato Casserole with Béchamel Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a luscious béchamel sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this dish offers a rich and satisfying flavor, making it a go-to meal for cozy gatherings. The combination of golden-baked potatoes, juicy chicken, and velvety sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even bake.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, just until slightly softened. Set aside.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Add nutmeg (if using), salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir in heavy cream for extra richness.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potatoes evenly. Spread half of the cooked chicken over the potatoes. Pour some béchamel sauce over the layer. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, chicken, and sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top, followed by grated Parmesan. This creates a golden, cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!