Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (about 6 medium), peeled and julienned
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1-1 1/2 cups half and half (heated until simmering)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon dry herbs or seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1-2 onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Chicken and Topping
- 8-10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Poultry seasoning, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (additional, if preferred)
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or olive oil/avocado oil for brushing)
- 6 oz grated cheese (Mozzarella, Provolone, Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or similar)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and julienne the Yukon gold potatoes into 1/4 inch thick strips. Place them evenly in a 9 x 13 inch deep baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- Combine Vegetables and Potatoes: Add the cooked vegetables to the potatoes in the baking dish. Season with salt, black pepper, dry herbs, and seasoning blends, then mix to combine evenly.
- Add Optional Onions: If using, layer thinly sliced onions over the potato and vegetable mixture for extra flavor.
- Season Chicken: Prepare the chicken thighs by seasoning both sides with salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, or additional seasonings of your choice.
- Pour Half and Half: Heat the half and half until just simmering, then pour it over the potatoes and vegetables. It should barely cover the surface without flooding the dish.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Add Topping: Thinly spread mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or brush oil on top of the chicken thighs. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top, adding Parmesan if using.
- Cover and Prepare for Baking: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil or a lid. To prevent sticking, lightly spray the underside of the foil with oil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
- Brown Cheese: In the last 5-15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese topping to brown. For a crispier topping, optionally broil for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the casserole warm. Enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Adjust seasoning blends according to your preference, such as adding thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt can be substituted with olive oil or avocado oil for a lighter topping.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender and evenly cooked meat.
- Covering the casserole with foil keeps moisture in, preventing the chicken and potatoes from drying out during baking.
- Watch carefully when broiling the cheese topping to avoid burning it.
- Optional onions enhance flavor but can be omitted for those who prefer less onion taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American