Savory Chicken Quiche with Crispy Potato Crust
Indulge in this delicious Savory Chicken Quiche with a crispy potato crust that offers a delightful twist on the classic quiche. The base is made from hash brown potatoes blended with melted butter, giving it a crispy, golden finish that perfectly complements the creamy filling of eggs, half-and-half, tender chicken, and zesty Monterey Jack pepper cheese. Perfect for brunch, a light dinner, or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and can be easily modified with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen hash brown potatoes
24 ounces (Thawed and moisture squeezed out)
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
4 ounces (Shredded (about 1 cup))
Diced cooked chicken
1 cup (Cooked and diced)
Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Half-and-half cream or milk
1 cup (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Chicken Quiche with Crispy Potato Crust?
It is a flavorful quiche that replaces traditional pastry dough with a crispy crust made from hash brown potatoes and butter, filled with a creamy egg and chicken mixture.
How do I make the crust crispy?
The secret to a crispy crust is using 24 ounces of frozen hash brown potatoes that have been thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove excess moisture before mixing with melted butter.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine to be used when preparing the potato base.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this quiche?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces (about 1 cup) of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese to add a zesty, slightly spicy flavor.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack pepper cheese?
Absolutely. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute it with regular Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or Swiss cheese.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 1 cup of cooked and diced chicken.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using diced rotisserie chicken is a great and convenient way to prepare the 1 cup of cooked chicken needed.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs to create the base of the creamy quiche filling.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of milk as a substitute for half-and-half cream, though the resulting quiche may be slightly less rich.
Is this chicken quiche gluten-free?
Because it uses a potato crust rather than a flour-based crust, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your specific brands of hash browns and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
This quiche is versatile and perfect for brunch, a light dinner, or as a centerpiece for family gatherings.
Can I add vegetables to the quiche?
Yes, you can easily customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions.
What is the preparation for the hash browns?
The hash browns must be thawed and then squeezed to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure the crust doesn't become soggy.
Is any salt added to the mixture?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season the egg and cream mixture.
How much cheese is 4 ounces?
Four ounces of shredded cheese is roughly equivalent to 1 cup.
What type of hash browns should I buy?
You should look for a 24-ounce package of frozen hash brown potatoes, typically the shredded variety.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be fully cooked and then diced into small, bite-sized pieces before being added to the quiche.
Can I freeze leftovers of this quiche?
Yes, you can freeze the baked quiche. However, note that the potato crust may lose some of its crispiness upon thawing and reheating.
How do I store this quiche?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes, but it is even more critical to squeeze out all the starch and liquid to achieve a crispy result.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of cheese, eggs, chicken, and a potato crust makes it a very satisfying comfort food dish.
What herbs go well with this quiche?
Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme would complement the savory chicken and potato flavors perfectly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or a vegetarian meat substitute to turn this into a vegetarian quiche.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, a standard quiche of this size typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Should the butter be melted?
Yes, the 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine should be melted so it can be evenly distributed through the hash browns.
Is the Monterey Jack pepper cheese very spicy?
It provides a mild to moderate heat. If you are sensitive to spice, you may want to use a different variety of cheese.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, using heavy cream will result in an even richer and more decadent quiche filling.
Why do the eggs need to be beaten?
Beating the eggs ensures that the yolk and white are fully combined, which helps the quiche set uniformly during baking.
Can I prepare the crust in advance?
You can prepare the potato and butter mixture ahead of time, but for the best results, it is recommended to bake the crust and fill it shortly thereafter.
Does this recipe use a traditional pie crust?
No, it uses a unique 'crispy potato crust' made from hash browns, making it a great alternative for those who don't want to work with pastry dough.