French chicken potato gratin

The Family KitchenFrench chicken & potato gratin

France · Gratin de poulet-inspired · France

French chicken & potato gratin

Tender chicken, potato and leek baked in a creamy herb sauce until bubbling and golden. A cosy one-dish dinner with familiar layers.

18 minPreparation
38 minCooking
56 minTotal time
4Servings
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The Family Kitchen · Portions are a guide; appetite and needs vary.

Illustration of french chicken & potato gratin
AI-generated serving illustration

For 4 servings

What you’ll need

Allergens
Milk. Check stock and cheese labels.

One step at a time

Let’s make it

  1. Heat the oven to 190°C. Warm oil in an ovenproof pan and cook leek for 4 minutes until soft.
  2. Add chicken and thyme and cook for 4–5 minutes until the outside is opaque. Stir in stock and milk.
  3. Layer potato slices over the chicken. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover, scatter with cheese and bake for 10–12 minutes until tender and golden.
  4. Rest for 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and add salt only if needed; offer pepper at the table for adults.

Preparation and cooking times are estimates. Use the doneness checks in the method.

Make the texture work

Keep potato slices and chicken in separate sections when a mixed bake is new. A softer centre portion is usually easiest to scoop.

Season it properly

Leek, thyme and cheese create a rounded savoury flavour. Taste before adding salt; pepper and mustard can stay with adult portions.

Simple swaps

Use sweet potato for half the potato or a dairy-free cooking cream if suitable. Turkey thigh works well in place of chicken.

Keep it safely

Cool within 2 hours and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Reheat once until the centre is steaming hot.

Food education

What the ingredients bring

These are practical food-group notes, not a laboratory nutrition analysis. Portions and brands change the numbers.

  • Chicken and cheese provide protein, iron and vitamin B12.
  • Potatoes contribute carbohydrate energy and potassium.
  • Leek adds fibre and vitamin C, while milk contributes calcium.
Before serving: adapt the size and texture to your child’s chewing skills, then let the meal be a relaxed family moment.

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