Name: Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 medium yellow potatoes; ⅓ cup grated parmigiano; 1 tablespoon milk; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided; 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; Avocado oil, for greasing the baking dish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 54 reviews

If you love the comforting combination of creamy potatoes and flavorful chicken, then the Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe is going to become your new favorite meal. This dish takes classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level by crafting them into cozy nests filled with a juicy, well-seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture. Each bite is a perfect balance of soft, cheesy potatoes and hearty chicken, making it ideal for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy night in. Once you dive into this delicious recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever served mashed potatoes any other way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several raw cooking ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. At the bottom right, there is a white bowl holding a single large piece of raw light pink chicken. To its left, there is a smaller white bowl filled with shredded white cheese. Above this, a clear glass bowl contains five medium-sized light brown potatoes. Scattered around these are small clear bowls and glass containers holding different items: a small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, a small clear bowl with mixed red and green spices, another with salt and pepper, and two small glass bowls holding golden olive oil and white cream. A whole yellow onion, two garlic cloves, a whole red bell pepper, and a small metal scoop filled with red paste complete the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe keeps things simple with essential, everyday ingredients—each adding its own magic touch to the dish’s taste, texture, and color. Let’s check out what you’ll gather before crafting these delicious nests.

Avocado oil for greasing: A light, neutral oil that prevents sticking while adding a hint of healthy fats.
10 medium yellow potatoes: Perfect for mashing perfectly creamy with a naturally buttery flavor.
⅓ cup grated parmigiano: Brings a nutty, savory punch that elevates the mashed potatoes.
1 tablespoon milk: Adds silkiness, making your mashed potatoes irresistibly creamy.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor.
3 tablespoons avocado oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables with a subtle richness.
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein to fill the nests with savory goodness.
1 onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base to build flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant kick that brightens the filling.
½ bell pepper, diced: Offers a pop of color and mild sweetness.
¼ teaspoon paprika: A smoky, warm spice that enhances depth.
½ teaspoon dry oregano: Herbs to bring a subtle herbal note.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that binds everything beautifully.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty topping that crowns each nest with irresistible gooeyness.

How to Make Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), which ensures it’s ready to give your nests a golden, bubbly finish. Lightly grease your baking dish with avocado oil so the nests won’t stick and will bake beautifully to a delicate crust.

Step 2: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Peel your yellow potatoes and boil them in salted water until they’re fork tender—this is the key to ensuring your mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy. Drain and return them to the pot for mashing. Stir in the parmigiano, milk, and some salt and pepper, combining everything until silky and flavorful. Let your mashed potatoes cool just a bit so they’re easier to handle for the next step.

Step 3: Shape the Mashed Potato Nests

Divide your mashed potatoes into six equal balls. Nestle them snugly in your oiled baking dish, then create indents with your fingers or a spoon so each ball forms a little nest shape ready to cradle the savory filling. This step is where your nests truly start to take shape and come alive.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, cooking until they’re no longer pink and starting to brown slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until the vegetables soften and the garlic aroma fills your kitchen—about 2 to 3 more minutes.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Fill the Nests

Stir in the tomato paste to the chicken mixture, blending all the flavors together, then remove the pan from the heat. Carefully spoon the chicken filling into each mashed potato nest, generously filling each cavity. Top every nest with shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt and brown beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re aiming for golden, bubbly cheese on top and heated-through, savory filling nestled perfectly inside the creamy potato. This is where the magic happens!

How to Serve Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe

The dish shows one round fluffy yellow base layer with a soft texture, topped with a mixture of diced red and orange pieces and melted white cheese that has light brown spots from baking. Green herb flakes are sprinkled on top and around the dish, placed on a clean white plate with some green leaves as garnish. The overall look is warm and inviting, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a lovely burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of avocado oil or a tiny dollop of sour cream can also complement the rich flavors beautifully. These simple garnishes make the dish feel even more special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these nests with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli are perfect companions, offering crunch and added nutrition alongside the hearty nests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner party touch, plate individual nests on small saucers with a delicate herb sprig on top. Or serve them family-style in the baking dish straight to the table, encouraging everyone to dig into their cozy potato nests. You could also turn this recipe into fun kid-sized portions by shaping smaller nests and using ramekins for baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and mashed potato nests keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful if you cover them tightly, making for a convenient and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

To freeze, place the fully assembled nests (before baking) on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. This is a great way to enjoy the recipe on a busy night without compromising on flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese melts again, about 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow a little extra time and bake covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow potatoes are ideal for their natural creaminess, russets or Yukon gold potatoes also work well. Just make sure your potatoes mash smoothly and hold together for forming nests.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a medley of your favorite veggies. Just adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the savory depth.

Can I make these nests gluten-free?

Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your tomato paste and seasonings do not contain any gluten additives.

What type of cheese works best for the topping?

Mozzarella is perfect for its melting ability and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or Gruyère for extra gooeyness and complexity if you like.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Keep the spices mild and finely chop the vegetables so they blend smoothly into the mixture. Presenting the nests in fun shapes or mini portions can also make this dish more appealing to little ones.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Mashed Potato Nests with Savory Chicken Filling Recipe is a warm hug on a plate—comfort food elevated with flair and flavor. I encourage you to try making these nests because each step, from shaping the fluffy potatoes to filling them with the savory chicken, is pure joy. It’s a dish that brings people together and fills your home with incredible aromas. Trust me, once you taste these nests, they’ll become a beloved staple on your table.