- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 550 kcal
Quick summary
“The chicken escondidinho combines shredded and sautéed chicken breast between soft layers of mashed potatoes under grated gratinated cheese. It's worth making because it's a practical, comforting one-dish meal that pleases the whole family.”
What you need to know
- Cozimento de 1kg de batatas em água salgada e preparo de purê liso com leite morno e 50g de manteiga derretida
- Refogado aromático de peito de frango cozido e desfiado com azeite, cebola picada e alho dourado na panela
- Montagem estruturada em refratário com camadas de purê, frango e cobertura final polvilhada com queijo ralado a 200°C
Ingredients
Main
- 500g of cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1kg of peeled potatoes
- 200ml of milk
- 50g of butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese for gratin
Instructions
Principal
- Cook the potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Escorra e reserve.
- Em uma panela, aqueça o azeite e refogue a cebola e o alho até dourarem.
- Add the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In another pot, melt the butter, add the milk and the cooked potatoes. Mash or process until you get a smooth puree.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- In a baking dish, place a layer of mashed potatoes, followed by the sauteed chicken, and finish with more mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top to gratin.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Chef's tips
- Amasse as batatas ainda bem quentes para garantir uma textura elástica e sem grumos antes de juntar a manteiga e o leite
- Mantenha o refogado de frango úmido adicionando duas colheres de caldo do cozimento para não ressecar a camada interna
- Utilize o forno em temperatura alta de 200°C para dourar o queijo rapidamente sem ferver em demasia o purê de batata
Variations
- Escondidinho com milho adicionando uma xícara de milho-verde cozido e cheiro-verde picado ao refogado de peito de frango
- Escondidinho cremoso espalhando uma camada de requeijão culinário diretamente sobre o frango antes da última camada de purê
- Versão com crosta crocante misturando queijo parmesão ralado e farinha de rosca para polvilhar antes de levar ao forno
Substitutions
- O purê de batata inglesa pode ser substituído por purê de batata-baroa (mandioquinha), aipim ou mandioca cozida
- O frango desfiado pode ser substituído por carne moída bovina refogada, carne-seca dessalgada ou atum sólido
- A manteiga do purê pode ser trocada por requeijão cremoso tradicional, azeite de oliva ou creme de leite fresco
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a conventional oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or in individual portions in the microwave with the lid semi-open to preserve creaminess.
Can it be frozen?
The escondidinho can be frozen assembled and baked for up to 90 days in an airtight container suitable for freezing. To serve, transfer from the freezer directly to the preheated oven at 180°C covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
What to serve with
Serve accompanied by loose white rice and a fresh green leaf salad with tomato and sliced hearts of palm. A portion of thin shoestring potatoes at the table adds an extra layer of contrasting crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How to prevent mashed potatoes from getting lumpy?
Pass the still-hot potatoes through a ricer or coarse sieve before mixing in the heated milk and butter vigorously.
Does the puree need to be very firm to support the layers?
The puree should have a creamy consistency, yet firm enough not to run, allowing you to spread the second layer with the back of a spoon.
Can I use leftover Roast Chicken to make the filling?
Yes, just shred the leftover roast chicken meat and quickly sauté it with garlic, onion, and olive oil to restore moisture and flavor.
Which grated cheese is ideal for gratinating the top of the dish?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese or mixed mozzarella cheese offer the best balance between pronounced flavor and uniform golden coloring.
