Crispy Messy Chicken Gratin with Hearts of Palm
A crowd-pleasing baked chicken dish layered with creamy cheese, parmesan, and crunchy potato sticks — inspired by Brazilian home cooking at its most comforting. The 'messy' topping of crispy shoestring potatoes gives it an irresistible texture contrast.
🛒 Ingredients
4 servings
- 700 g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 200 g (7 oz) lean ham, diced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (400 g) hearts of palm, drained and sliced
- 1 cup (240 g) light cream cheese
- 100 g (3.5 oz) coarsely grated parmesan
- 80 g (3 oz) shoestring potato sticks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🛍️ Recommended tools
Amazon affiliate links
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 2
Add the chicken, ham, tomatoes, and hearts of palm. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Spread the light cream cheese evenly over the top.
- 4
Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the cream cheese layer, then finish with a generous layer of shoestring potato sticks.
- 5
Bake for 40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot alongside white rice and a fresh green salad with peas.
💡 Chef's Tip
For extra crunch, add a handful of fresh potato sticks right before serving — the heat from the dish will warm them without losing their snap. Swap the ham for smoked turkey for a lighter version.
Similar Recipes
Same category — Poultry
🍽️ Complete your meal
More ideas to accompany this dish
