Chicken Shepherd’s Pie – The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup!
Can’t decide between Shepherd’s Pie and Chicken Pot Pie? Why choose when you can have both? This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect cozy meal—tender shredded chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich, savory gravy, all topped with buttery mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s easy, satisfying, and a great way to use up leftovers! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and comforting, this dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie, this recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken (or 3 cups shredded cooked chicken)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for cooking and gravy)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (warm)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- In a pot, gently simmer the chicken in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Remove, shred the chicken, and reserve the broth for later.
Make the Filling
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions for 4 minutes, then add garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 cup of the reserved broth and the half-and-half, stirring constantly.
Combine & Simmer
- Stir in shredded chicken and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, adding additional broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Mix in frozen vegetables and cook until heated through. Remove from heat.
Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Transfer the filling to a baking dish if needed. Spoon warm mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly.
- Use a fork to create texture on top if desired.
Bake & Broil
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Broil at 550°F for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store assembled filling (without potatoes) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat, then top with mashed potatoes and bake as directed.
- Freeze: Store filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling.
Pro Tips
- Chicken Options: Bone-in chicken adds more flavor if you have the time. Otherwise, rotisserie or leftover chicken works great.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with warm buttermilk biscuits or cheddar biscuits for a complete meal!
