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Phil McCockin's Creamy Salmon & Chicken Bake

A rich and comforting Alaskan-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken and wild salmon in a creamy dill sauce with potatoes and sharp cheddar. Baked until golden and bubbly, this hearty dish is perfect for cold nights and big appetites.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine alaskan, American, seafood
Keyword alaska, chicken, dinner, lunch, salmon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time Minimum 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 2
Calories 942kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast cooked and cubed into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 oz salmon fillet skin removed, cubed into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup potatoes diced small (Yukon Golds or red potatoes work best)
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk whole preferred
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp for flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh dill sprigs or lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onion and potato, cooking for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion softens and potato starts to turn golden.
  • Sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Slowly whisk in milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Add cream once mixture looks smooth.
  • Simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Stir in cubed chicken and salmon gently, coating them in the sauce.
  • Add dill, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes to partially cook chicken and infuse flavor (salmon will finish in the oven).
  • Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top.
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly, golden, and edges are lightly browned.
  • Check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  • Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving — this allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Garnish with fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Just the Tips:

  • Fish first: Use skinless salmon fillets, preferably wild-caught Alaskan, for the freshest flavor. Sockeye or coho work beautifully.
  • Chicken prep: Cut chicken into even chunks so it cooks at the same rate as salmon.
  • Potato tip: Pre-dice potatoes small (½-inch or less) so they soften in time; if using larger chunks, parboil them for 5 minutes before sautéing.
  • Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but Gruyère or Havarti make a more luxurious melt.
  • Texture boost: For a crispy top, mix breadcrumbs with a little butter and sprinkle over cheese before baking.
  • Cast Iron Upgrade: For a deeper, rustic flavor and better heat retention, use a cast iron skillet instead of a casserole dish. It creates slightly crispier edges and holds heat longer, keeping the dish warm from stove to table.

Nutrition

Calories: 942kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 280mg | Sodium: 644mg | Potassium: 1151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2161IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 713mg | Iron: 2mg