Creamy Baked Chicken with Broccoli and Fresh Herb Salad
Ingredients
For the Creamy Baked Chicken:
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- 4 chicken eggs
- Salt, to taste
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- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) cream (20-30% fat)
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) broccoli, cut into florets
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- Water, for boiling
- 2 chicken fillets (approximately 400-500 g or 1 lb)
- Some vegetable oil, for frying
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- Spices for chicken (paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite blend), to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
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- 150 g (5.3 oz) hard mozzarella cheese, grated (reserve some for topping)
- 60 g (1/4 cup) sour cream
- 30 g (2 tbsp) mayonnaise
For the Fresh Herb Salad:
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- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
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- A bunch of dill, chopped
- A bunch of fresh basil, torn
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
For the Creamy Baked Chicken:
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- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
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- Season the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, and your preferred spices.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken fillets until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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- Prepare the Cream Sauce:
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- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
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- Assemble the Dish:
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- Grease a baking dish with a little oil. Spread the broccoli florets and sliced onion evenly in the dish.
- Place the chicken fillets on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top, reserving some for later use.
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- Prepare the Broccoli:
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- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Bake the dish for 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese over the top for a golden finish.
- Bake:
For the Fresh Herb Salad:
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- Combine cucumber, tomatoes, dill, and fresh basil in a bowl.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Serving Suggestions
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- Serve the creamy baked chicken alongside the fresh herb salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or steamed rice for added comfort.
Cooking Tips
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- Ensure the chicken is not overcooked in the skillet as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for better flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for a subtle, warm flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
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- Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein.
- Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- The herb salad adds vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs.
Dietary Information
- Low-carb and gluten-free.
- Can be made keto-friendly by replacing mayonnaise with a high-fat alternative.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g