Escondidinho de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Casserole)

Escondidinho de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Casserole)

Ingredients:

**For the Mashed Potatoes:**
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Chicken Filling:**
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup corn kernels
– 1/2 cup chopped green olives
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Assembly:**
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:**
– Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
– Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. **Prepare the Chicken Filling:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
– Add the chopped bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
– Stir in the shredded chicken, tomato sauce, corn kernels, chopped olives, and chopped parsley. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. **Assemble the Escondidinho:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes in an even layer.
– Spoon the chicken filling over the mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
– Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken filling.
– Spread the remaining mashed potatoes over the cheese layer.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
– Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.

4. **Bake the Escondidinho:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

5. **Serve:**
– Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Escondidinho de Frango!

Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Brazilian Chicken Casserole!