Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large oven-safe casserole dish with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks, carrots, onions, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
5. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the potatoes. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
7. Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
8. Remove the lid or foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the hotpot. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let the hotpot cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Leeks can be substituted with onions or shallots.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
- Add diced bacon or ham to the hotpot for extra flavor.
- Use beef or lamb instead of chicken for a traditional Lancashire hotpot.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for a more earthy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- To save time, use pre-sliced potatoes or a mandoline to slice them thinly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken stock to thin it out.
- For a crispy top, broil the hotpot for a few minutes after adding the cheese.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the hotpot in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the hotpot in individual bowls or on plates with a side salad or crusty bread.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed green beans
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the hotpot is too dry, add more chicken stock or water to the sauce.
- If the potatoes are not cooked through, cover the hotpot with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Lancashire hotpot is a traditional British dish that originated in the county of Lancashire in the 18th century. It typically consists of lamb or beef, onions, and potatoes, cooked in a covered casserole dish.
Flavor profiles:
This chicken and leek Lancashire hotpot is savory, hearty, and comforting, with a creamy sauce and tender chunks of chicken.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the hotpot with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: British
Taste: Savory, Herby, Comforting, Hearty, Rich