Chicken and Pea Bake

This delicious Chicken and Pea Bake is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant peas, and a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. The blend of Gouda cheese adds a creamy richness, while the hint of mint brings a fresh twist to the classic flavors. Not only is this dish tasty, but it is also packed with nutrients like protein and fiber. The crisp vegetables ensure a delightful texture, making each bite satisfying. The combination of peas and sweet cream creates a balance of flavors that complement the savory chicken. The dish is easy to prepare and takes less than an hour from start to finish. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an accessible recipe for a quick yet scrumptious meal. It can serve as a complete meal on its own or can be paired with a light salad or crusty bread. Perfect for cozy dinners or even festive gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g sugar snap pea pods
• 500 g frozen green peas
• 50 g Gouda cheese
• 500 g chicken breast fillets
• 1 large onion
• 1 bunch mint
• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 tbsp flour
• 1/4 l vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp oil
• 200 g sweet cream

Spices and Sauces:

• Pepper
• Grated nutmeg
• Salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Peas: Thinly slice the sugar snap pea pods. Rinse the mint thoroughly under running water.
2. Seasoning the Water: Boil enough salted water with the sprigs of mint added. This will infuse the water with a light minty flavor.
3. Cooking the Peas: Add the sugar snap pea pods and frozen green peas to the boiling water. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes. Drain them thoroughly, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Sear the chicken breast fillets for about 10 minutes on all sides until golden. Let the cooked chicken cool, then cut it into thin strips.
5. Prepare the Roux: In a separate pan, melt the butter and add 2 tbsp of flour. Stir until the mixture is smooth and light golden.
6. Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and sweet cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste. Stir in the Gouda cheese until melted, then remove from heat.
8. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (392°F) to preheat.
9. Prepare the Onions: Cut the onion in half, then slice it crosswise into thin strips. Toss the onion slices in the remaining flour. Heat the remaining oil in a pan and fry the onions until crispy.
10. Assemble the Bake: Grease a baking dish with some oil. Layer the cooked peas, sugar snap pea pods, and chicken strips in the dish.
11. Add the Sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring even coverage.
12. Top with Onions: Sprinkle the fried onions over the top for extra flavor and crunch.
13. Bake the Dish: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 180°C (356°F) until golden on top.
14. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy this delightful meal!

Tips

• Substitutions: You can replace Gouda cheese with cheddar for a different flavor.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Add more pepper or chili flakes for a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian variant.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and vegetables a day in advance to save time.

Variations

• Cheese Variations: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a richer taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based cream and vegan cheese substitutes to create a vegan version of this bake.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
• Garnishes: Top with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for added freshness.

Nutritions (per serving approximately)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30 g
• Fats: 25 g
• Carbs: 25 g

Best Places

1. The Greenhouse Kitchen - A cozy eatery known for their farm-to-table approach. Location: 123 Market St, New York, USA.
2. Pea Delight Bistro - Popular for its creative pea-based dishes. Location: 456 Queen St, Vancouver, Canada.
3. Chicken & Co. Café - Famous for their delicious chicken specialties. Location: 789 King Rd, London, UK.
4. Gouda Haven - Cheese lovers' paradise with authentic international varieties. Location: 321 Gouda Lane, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
5. The Herb Garden - Offers an extensive menu full of fresh herb-infused meals. Location: 654 Plant Blvd, Sydney, Australia.
6. Minty Fresh Café - Known for their mint-infused creations. Location: 987 Herb St, Dublin, Ireland.
7. Culinaria Studio - Features chef-led gourmet cooking experiences. Location: 111 Cook Ave, Toronto, Canada.
8. Bistro Provence - Provides delicious contemporary French cuisine. Location: 222 Wine St, Paris, France.
9. Grain & Green - Specializes in healthy, whole-food dishes. Location: 333 Health Way, San Francisco, USA.
10. La Femme du Fromage - Renowned for artisan cheese boards. Location: 444 Cheese St, Berlin, Germany.