Creamy Chicken Escondidinho: Easy & Delicious Family Recipe

Prepare a delicious and creamy chicken escondidinho, flavorful and perfect for a family meal. A classic and easy-to-make recipe!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

• 1 kg potatoes
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken Filling

• 500g cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup corn
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and chopped green herbs to taste
• 1/2 cup creamy cheese spread

Instructions

1. Mashed Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes while still hot.
2. In a saucepan, combine the mashed potatoes, milk, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until a creamy puree is obtained. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Chicken Filling: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
4. Add the chopped tomato and sauté for a few more minutes.
5. Add the shredded chicken, peas, corn, salt, pepper, and green herbs. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Stir in the creamy cheese spread until well combined.
7. Assembly: In a baking dish, spread a layer of chicken filling.
8. Cover with the mashed potato puree, spreading evenly.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve the chicken escondidinho hot.

Tips and Variations

• For a more flavorful puree, add some grated Parmesan cheese.
• You can use other vegetables in the filling, such as carrots and zucchini.
• Try adding diced bacon to the chicken escondidinho filling for a smoky flavor.
• For a lighter version, replace the creamy cheese spread with ricotta cream.
• If you prefer, top with grated mozzarella cheese before baking.

CHEF’s Tips

The secret to a good chicken escondidinho lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful preparation of each step. For the puree, choose good quality potatoes, like Asterix potatoes, which ensure a smoother texture. Cook the potatoes with their skins on to preserve flavor and nutrients. Mash the potatoes while still hot to prevent them from becoming sticky. Use whole milk and quality butter for a creamier and tastier puree. For the filling, use fresh chicken breast and cook with fresh seasonings like garlic, onion, bay leaf, and parsley for a more intense flavor. Shred the chicken while still warm to make the process easier. Don’t over-salt, as the cheese spread already contains salt. Try adding a touch of nutmeg to the puree for a special flavor. Serve the chicken escondidinho with a fresh green salad to balance the dish.