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Chicken Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 538 reviews

This comforting Chicken Shepherd’s Pie features tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful homemade gravy with mixed vegetables, topped with creamy warm mashed potatoes that are baked to golden perfection. A perfect hearty and satisfying casserole dish that combines classic flavors in a family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Sauce and Filling

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • ½ cup half and half
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Topping

  • 5 cups warm mashed potatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pie.
  2. Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of chicken broth. Gradually bring to a gentle boil with the lid cracked open and cook for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Avoid rapid boiling to keep chicken tender. Remove the chicken, shred with forks, and save the broth.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a wide 12-inch pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add finely diced onions and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and all dried seasonings (onion powder, mustard powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, and black pepper). Stir and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Liquids Slowly: Lower heat to low, gradually add 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth in small splashes while stirring constantly to integrate. Then add half and half slowly in the same way to prevent breaking the roux and ensure a smooth gravy.
  6. Add Flavorings and Chicken: Stir in the chicken bouillon cube and Worcestershire sauce. Add shredded chicken and combine well.
  7. Simmer and Thicken: Increase heat to medium, and slowly add up to 1 cup more of the reserved chicken broth in splashes while letting the filling simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes until thick and flavorful.
  8. Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and heat through. Remove from heat.
  9. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken filling to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish if the skillet isn’t oven-safe.
  10. Top with Potatoes: Let the filling cool slightly. Place spoonfuls of warm mashed potatoes on top, closely packed together to minimize spreading.
  11. Spread Potatoes: Gently spread the mashed potatoes into an even, smooth layer with a silicone spatula, being careful not to press down hard to keep the topping fluffy.
  12. Create Design (Optional): Use a fork to rake lines or patterns on the potato surface for a decorative touch.
  13. Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes to heat through.
  14. Broil for Browning: Switch the oven setting to broil (around 550 degrees) and broil the potato topping for about 4 minutes until nicely browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Avoid broiling in glass or Pyrex dishes.
  15. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs gives a richer flavor and keeps the meat moist, but chicken breasts work well too.
  • Be sure not to boil chicken broth rapidly to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
  • Adding liquids slowly to the roux ensures a smooth gravy without lumps.
  • Using warm mashed potatoes makes spreading easier and prevents breaking the topping.
  • Watch the broiler carefully as the potatoes can burn quickly.
  • If your baking dish is oven-safe, you can skip transferring from the skillet.

Keywords: chicken shepherd's pie, comfort food, casserole, shredded chicken, mashed potato topping, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/chicken-shepherds-pie-recipe/