Chicken breast with potatoes and béchamel sauce

Oven-baked chicken breast with Bechamel sauce and colorful vegetables

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the flavor of succulent chicken with the creaminess of a fine Bechamel sauce? This oven-baked chicken breast recipe with potatoes and cherry tomatoes is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, quickly becoming a family favorite. The history of this dish takes us back to Sunday meals when the family gathers around the table to enjoy delicious and comforting dishes. Get ready to turn an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience!

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken breast (approx. 500 g)
- 4-5 medium potatoes
- A generous handful of cherry tomatoes (approx. 200 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt, pepper (or to taste)
- Dried tarragon (or fresh, if available)

For the Bechamel sauce:

- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 300 ml cold milk
- 60 g grated cheese
- 120 g sour cream
- Salt, pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Bechamel sauce

1. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Make sure not to let it brown; we just want it melted.
2. Add the flour gradually, stirring constantly with a spatula or whisk to avoid lumps. This step is essential for achieving a creamy and smooth sauce. Continue stirring for about a minute until the mixture becomes slightly golden.
3. Gradually add the cold milk, stirring continuously to integrate the ingredients well. You will notice the sauce starting to thicken. This is a sign that you are on the right track!
4. Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the grated cheese and sour cream. Mix well until the cheese is completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor, if you like!

Step 2: Preparing the main ingredients

1. Cut the chicken breast into strips of about 2 cm to ensure even cooking. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breast, but make sure it is well thawed before preparing it.
2. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 5 mm thick). If you prefer a lighter version, you can cook them briefly in boiling water for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the baking dish to bake faster.
3. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.

Step 3: Assembling the dish

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. In a heat-resistant dish, grease the bottom with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place a first layer of chicken strips, seasoning them with sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add a layer of potatoes, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Season again with salt and pepper, and if desired, you can also add a bit of dried tarragon for a more intense flavor.
5. Pour the Bechamel sauce evenly over the entire mixture, making sure it covers all the ingredients.
6. Sprinkle dried tarragon on top for added flavor and a pleasing appearance.

Step 4: Baking

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-30 minutes or until it is nicely browned on top. Check occasionally to ensure it does not burn. If you like a crispier crust, you can activate the grill function in the last 5 minutes of baking.
2. Once the dish is ready, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute, and the chicken will be juicier.

Serving suggestion:

Serve this delight with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A light white drink, such as a Sauvignon Blanc wine, will perfectly complement this dish. You can also use a mint lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, but also in fiber from the vegetables. The milk and sour cream provide calcium and essential vitamins. Additionally, tarragon may have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Frequently asked questions and variations:

1. Can I use other types of meat? Of course! This recipe can also be adapted with turkey meat or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
2. How can I make the Bechamel sauce saltier? You can adjust the salt to taste, but make sure not to overdo it, as the cheese may already add a bit of salt.
3. Are there variations of the sauce? You can try adding mustard or goat cheese to the Bechamel sauce for a stronger flavor.

This oven-baked chicken breast with Bechamel sauce recipe is a perfect example of comfort food that will indulge you with every bite. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 4-5 potatoes, a handful of cherry tomatoes, sweet paprika, salt, pepper (or to taste - I used mild), tarragon. Sauce: 50 g butter, 1 tablespoon flour, 300 ml milk, 60 g cheese, 120 g sour cream, salt, pepper.

 Tags:  baked chicken breast chicken breast with potatoes and béchamel sauce