Ingredients
The Nests
- 10 medium yellow potatoes
- ⅓ cup grated parmigiano
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Chicken
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ bell pepper, diced
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional
- Avocado oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water until they are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot.
- Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Stir in the grated parmigiano, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly.
- Form Nests: Divide the mashed potatoes into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them snugly in the prepared baking dish. Create an indent in the center of each ball using your hands or a spoon to form nests. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken Mixture: Heat avocado oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and garlic aroma dissipates.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Remove from heat.
- Fill Nests: Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into each mashed potato nest, filling the indents generously.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each filled nest. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute parmigiano with aged cheddar or gruyere for a different flavor profile.
- For creamier mashed potatoes, add more milk or a knob of butter while mashing.
- Use bell peppers of any color depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Cook chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Leftover nests can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American