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Creamy Chicken Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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4 from 39 reviews

Chicken Shepherd’s Pie features tender shredded chicken and mixed vegetables in a rich savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for utilizing leftover chicken and mashed potatoes and makes a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken and Broth

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

Gravy 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 mixed 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 assembled pie.
  2. Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Place it in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of chicken broth. Gradually bring to a gentle boil, then cook with the lid cracked for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked but not tough. Remove the chicken and shred it with forks, reserving the broth for later.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a wide 12-inch pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and all powdered seasonings, cooking for an additional minute to release flavors.
  4. Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears, forming a roux that will thicken your gravy.
  5. Add Liquids Gradually: Lower heat to low and slowly add 2 cups of reserved chicken broth in small splashes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add half and half in the same gradual manner to maintain a smooth gravy consistency.
  6. Season and Combine Chicken: Stir in the chicken bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded chicken, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Simmer Filling: Increase heat to medium and add the remaining chicken broth in small splashes while letting the mixture simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes, tightening the filling’s texture and concentrating flavors. Use about ¾ cup of the remaining broth.
  8. Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and heat through, then remove the pan from heat.
  9. Assemble Pie: Transfer the filling to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish if your pan is not oven-safe. Let the filling cool slightly before topping.
  10. Add Mashed Potatoes: Carefully place scoops of warm mashed potatoes over the filling, positioning them close together to minimize spreading. Gently smooth the mashed potatoes into an even layer using a silicone spatula without pressing hard to keep the topping fluffy. Optionally, use a fork to create a decorative “rake” pattern on top.
  11. Bake Pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes to heat through and begin browning the potatoes.
  12. Broil for Finish: Set the broiler to high (around 550 degrees Fahrenheit) and broil the top for approximately 4 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp, watching carefully to prevent burning. Avoid broiling if using glass or Pyrex baking dishes.
  13. Garnish and Rest: Remove the pie from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

  • If using leftover cooked chicken and mashed potatoes, adjust the cooking steps accordingly by skipping the chicken boiling step.
  • Use a wide/broad pan for sautéing and making the gravy to ensure even cooking and easy stirring.
  • Make sure to add liquids slowly to the roux to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth gravy.
  • Do not push down hard when spreading mashed potatoes to keep them fluffy and on top.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the filling to another dish, but transfer if unsure to prevent accidents.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the potatoes, especially with metal pans.

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