Shepherd’s Pie (Chicken)

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Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is the best way to put leftover chicken (or turkey) into a family-approved comfort meal. This scrumptious casserole dinner is loaded with fresh veggies in a creamy white gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. This shepherd’s pie recipe has all the comfort of a pot pie, minus the flour crust. Instead, it's topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes which makes it completely irresistible.

3 Tbsp. butter
½ medium onion, diced (~ 1 cup)
2 ribs celery, diced (~ 1 cup)
1 large carrot, diced (~ 1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup half-and-half cream
1 tsp. fresh thyme, or ½ tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, no need to thaw
2 cups chicken, cooked, shredded or cubed
4½ cups mashed potatoes
2 oz cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (~ ½ cup)

Garnish:
ground paprika

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5).

Heat the butter in a 3 qt skillet or sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, mirepoix and garlic. Sauté a few minutes until tender, stirring as needed.

Add the flour and stir until it is absorbed by the vegetables. Add the chicken broth and half-and-half cream in small amounts, whisking until a creamy sauce develops.

Remove from the heat. Stir in the peas, corn, chicken, thyme, salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly. Distribute the mashed potatoes in blobs evenly across the surface. Using a fork, gently spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and sprinkle paprika if desired.

Bake for 30-40 minutes (uncovered) until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Carefully remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Cook's Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the best mashed potatoes for chicken shepherd's pie? I make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe with Russet potatoes. They have a high starch content, so they're fluffy and smooth when mashed. You can use any mashed potatoes for this recipe.
What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie? Traditionally, this is a hearty Irish/Scottish dinner that earned its name because it had minced lamb and shepherds look after the sheep. If the dish was made with beef instead of lamb, it was called cottage pie. This is because potatoes were inexpensive and the peasants who made them lived in cottages. However, the two names are often used interchangeably.
Can you freeze this entree? This is an excellent choice for a meal prep dinner. You can definitely make it, bake it and freeze it. To do this, after it has cooked, allow it to cool completely. Portion into servings, place into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to two months or longer if vacuum sealed. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or stove.

Serving Suggestions:

Green Vegetables: A side of steamed or sautéed green beans, peas, or broccoli complements the richness of the shepherd's pie and adds a fresh, vibrant element to the meal.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the hearty flavours of the pie and adds a refreshing contrast.
Crusty Bread: A fresh loaf of French bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the savoury gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts pair well with shepherd's pie, offering additional textures and flavours.