Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake with fresh ingredients and melted cheese

Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that brings comfort to your table. It is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and nutritious vegetables makes it a complete meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal clean-up, and can be customized to include your favorite veggies.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake

Ingredients:

  • 500g kent pumpkin, peeled, cut into 4cm pieces
  • 1/2 (480g) cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup pure cream
  • 1 cup grated cheddar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 rashers thinly sliced streaky bacon, trimmed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp parmesan, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 6 (650g) chicken thigh fillets, quartered
  • 120g salad leaves, to serve

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan-forced.
  2. Arrange the pumpkin and cauliflower in a 4cm deep, 19.5cm x 28cm (8-cup-capacity) oval roasting pan.
  3. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheese and mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture over the vegetables.
  4. Bake the vegetables uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are almost tender.
  5. While the vegetables are baking, heat 1 tsp of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it is golden. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and 1 tbsp of chives. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tsp of oil and cook the chicken for 2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
  7. Remove the vegetables from the oven, add the chicken, and stir to combine.
  8. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden.
  9. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tbsp of chives and serve with salad leaves.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake

Serve this dish hot, right out of the oven. The Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake is great on its own, or you can pair it with a simple salad for a refreshing contrast. The bright flavors of the salad will complement the creamy bake.

How to Store Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake

  • Make sure to cut the vegetables into even pieces for consistent cooking.
  • You can use other vegetables like broccoli or carrots if you prefer.
  • For a bit of heat, add some chili flakes to the breadcrumb topping.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda instead of cheddar. Adding spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika can also give it a nice twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast or even turkey if you prefer.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked dish. Just ensure it’s completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container.

Q: Can I skip the bacon in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a lighter dish or substitute it with a vegetarian option.