Chicken Shepherd’s Pie – Immaculate Bite

What is chicken shepherd’s pie?

Shepherd’s pie with chicken is similar to traditional shepherd’s pie. However, for the meat filling, use chicken instead of beef or lamb. Most shepherd’s pie recipes call for tomato paste, but chicken shepherd’s pie sauce doesn’t contain any tomatoes at all, making it a little creamier.

In fact, the chicken filling reminds me of chicken pot pie filling, but instead of puff pastry, it’s topped with mashed potatoes. 🤤 Two ultimate comfort foods in one!

recipe ingredients

1. potato topping – For a creamy mash topping, you’ll need russet potatoes, milk, butter, and sour cream.
2. chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
3. vegetables – Made with frozen peas and corn, as well as fresh diced carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, so you get plenty of veggies in every bite.
4. seasoning – For a nice herbal flavor, you’ll need thyme and bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and chicken or beef broth. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
5. sauce – To make the saucy filling, gather white wine, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock, then add a little flour to thicken everything.

How to make chicken shepherd’s pie

make mashed potatoes

• rinse Transfer potatoes to a large pot. Cover with at least 3 inches of cold water.
• boil – Add plenty of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Photo 1)
• drain Transfer the boiled potatoes to a large bowl. (Photo 2)
• mash Using a masher or hand mixer, mix the potatoes with the milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until creamy. Let’s set it aside. (Photos 3-4)

make the stuffing

• heat Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Boil the shredded chicken for about 2 minutes. (Photo 5)
• season – Add thyme, bay leaves, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic and stir well. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. (Photo 6)
• boil – Reduce heat to medium and add white wine. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated (you will need some liquid for the sauce).
• addition Flour, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and (optional) beef or chicken broth. (Photo 7)
• thicken – Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly (10-15 minutes).
• addition Peas and corn. Stir until thoroughly combined and heated through, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. (Photos 8-9)

assembly

• preheat Heat oven to 425°F/218°C. Generously spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick coating.
• assemble – Add chicken filling. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes evenly on top with a spatula, completely covering the filling. (Photos 10-11)
• bake Cook until potatoes are slightly browned around the edges (18-20 minutes). (Photo 12)
• serve – Let chicken shepherd’s pie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Recipe variations

1. Looks cheap. Before topping the pie, mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes, or sprinkle the cheese on top to create a golden, melty crust. Cheddar cheese adds a rich edge, while Parmesan brings a subtle nuttiness.
2. sweet potato topping. Replacing regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes adds a hint of sweetness and nutrition. The combination of sweet and savory pairs perfectly with the chicken filling, making the dish even more colorful. 🧡
3. Add mushrooms and spinach. Sliced ​​mushrooms and fresh spinach add an earthy, veggie-packed flavor. Stir them to bring out the flavor, mix them into the chicken mixture, then bake.

tips and tricks

1. The chicken mixture needs sauce. So if your chicken filling seems dry, add a little chicken stock, white wine, or other liquid before assembling to give it a delicious, saucy taste.
2. On the other hand, if the chicken filling is too runny, you can add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, add to sauce, increase heat, and stir until thickened.
3. How about some fancy shepherd’s pie? Use a fork to score patterns on the potato topping before baking. Achieve an elegant presentation. 🤩
4. Let the chicken filling cool slightly to make it easier to spread the potato topping.
5. Refrigerate the filling layer for 20 minutes after spreading it in the baking dish so that the mashed potatoes do not sink.

How to prepare and store

Making chicken shepherd’s pie in advance is a great way to save time and enjoy a ready-to-eat meal. Simply cover the assembled unbaked pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Then bake the thawed pie as directed, adding 5 to 10 minutes until heated through.

Refrigerate leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

What goes with chicken shepherd’s pie

Garnishes aren’t strictly necessary for this dish, but I love them. homemade garlic bread To absorb the meat juices. fresh and crunchy wedge salad or Shaved Brussels sprouts salad It balances the rich, savory flavors of the pie. Super easy to finish Sweet potato pie with graham cracker crust. 😋

Dinner pie recipes you’ll want to try and eat more

1. homemade chicken pot pie
2. jamaican meat pie
3. vegan pot pie
4. Aloo (potato) pie
5. african meat pie

by Imma