Description
Herbed Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
For the Filling:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, or corn)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir for 1 minute. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Pie: Spread the chicken and vegetable filling evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create small ridges on the surface for a crisp topping.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Sprinkle with dried parsley before serving.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm as a hearty and comforting main dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Have all vegetables diced, chicken cooked and shredded, and potatoes peeled and cubed before you start cooking.
2. Potato Priority: Begin boiling your potatoes in salted water. While they cook, start the filling.
3. Build Flavor Base: In your skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the harder vegetables (like carrots) first, then softer ones (like peas).
4. Create the Sauce: The key is to cook the flour for a full minute to remove its raw taste before adding liquids. Pour the broth and cream in a steady stream while stirring to prevent lumps.
5. Assemble with Care: Ensure the filling is spread evenly. Add dollops of mashed potato across the surface first, then gently spread and connect them to avoid pushing filling into the topping.
6. Texture is Key: Use a fork to create peaks and ridges across the potato topping. This increases surface area for optimal browning and crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pie is a complete meal on its own. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a cozy night in, serve with a crusty bread roll to soak up any extra sauce.
How-to Summary
Boil and mash potatoes with cheese. Sauté onion, garlic, and veggies, then add cooked chicken. Make a creamy sauce with flour, broth, and cream. Spread filling in a dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 375°F until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shepherd’s pie ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the pie completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, substitute with whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat canned coconut milk.
Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly. Add them directly from the freezer when the recipe calls for them; no need to thaw.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, after assembling and cooling, wrap the unbaked pie tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watery Potatoes: Always drain boiled potatoes thoroughly and let them steam-dry in the colander for a minute before mashing.
- Lumpy Sauce: Ensure you stir constantly when adding the broth and cream to the flour-coated mixture to create a smooth gravy.
- Soggy Topping: Avoid overfilling the dish with too much sauce. The filling should be thick, not soupy, before adding the potato topping.
- Underseasoning: Taste and season both the mashed potatoes and the filling separately before assembling. Both layers need adequate salt.
Conclusion
This Herbed Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food upgrade, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying meal. With its golden, crispy potato topping and flavorful herbed chicken filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this classic dish and make it a cherished recipe in your own kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.