There’s nothing better than Chicken Shepherd’s Pie—a comforting twist on the classic dish, made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This cozy meal is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or anytime you need a warm and satisfying dish!
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
🍗 A Lighter Twist on a Classic – Made with chicken instead of beef or lamb.
🥔 Creamy Mashed Potato Topping – Buttery, smooth, and golden brown.
🥕 Loaded with Vegetables – A nutritious and filling comfort food.
⏳ Great for Meal Prep – Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients for Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Potato masher or electric mixer
How to Make Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese if using.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Add peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the surface for crispiness.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with a side salad or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
🥗 With a Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🍞 With Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the delicious filling.
🧄 With Roasted Veggies – Extra roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts pair well.
Tips for the Best Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
🔥 Use Rotisserie Chicken – A time-saver that adds extra flavor!
🥔 For Creamier Potatoes – Use Yukon Gold potatoes and add a splash of cream.
🧀 For a Crispy Top – Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 2 minutes.
🌿 For Extra Flavor – Add fresh parsley or rosemary to the filling.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for the mashed potatoes.
Q2: Can I use ground chicken instead?
Absolutely! Brown ground chicken in the skillet before adding veggies.
Q3: Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Try corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
A Cozy, Comforting, and Delicious Meal!
This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is packed with creamy mashed potatoes, a rich and flavorful filling, and plenty of comforting goodness. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to be a hit!
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6 Servings)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
🔥 Enjoy every warm, comforting bite of this Chicken Shepherd’s Pie!
Print
Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than Chicken Shepherd’s Pie—a comforting twist on the classic dish, made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This cozy meal is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or anytime you need a warm and satisfying dish!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese if using.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Add peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the surface for crispiness.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
Use Rotisserie Chicken – A time-saver that adds extra flavor!
For Creamier Potatoes – Use Yukon Gold potatoes and add a splash of cream.
For a Crispy Top – Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 2 minutes.
For Extra Flavor – Add fresh parsley or rosemary to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American