This Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish packed with tender chicken, yummy veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes on top. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Who knew leftovers could taste this good? I love using rotisserie chicken to save time. You just mix it all together, bake, and enjoy a family favorite with ease!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This ingredient adds great flavor and saves time. If you can’t find it, use leftover chicken or rotisserie turkey. Just shred it before adding to the mix!
Mashed Potatoes: Traditional mashed potatoes add creaminess. You can swap in store-bought mashed potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just make sure they’re creamy!
Frozen Peas and Corn: These veggies add color and sweetness. You could use fresh veggies or substitute with green beans or even mixed frozen vegetables if preferred.
Diced Carrots: Fresh carrots create a nice crunch. If you’re short on time, you can use canned carrots, just drain and rinse them well.
Chicken Broth: For a richer taste, homemade broth is great. If you want, vegetable broth works well too, especially for a lighter dish.
Milk or Cream: Cream adds richness, but you can use any milk. Also, plant-based milks like almond or oat work as alternatives if you avoid dairy.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce for Shepherd’s Pie?
Getting the sauce to a good consistency can be tricky. The key here is to sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook it a bit to remove that raw taste.
- After adding flour, stir for 1-2 minutes until it gets slightly golden in color.
- Then, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. This helps prevent lumps.
- Keep stirring until it thickens—this should happen fairly quickly, so don’t overheat!
Remember, if it’s too thick, you can always add a little more broth or milk to get the consistency just right! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter, cream, salt, and pepper)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting shepherd’s pie takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before you can dig in. That’s quick for a dish so hearty and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your shepherd’s pie is ready to bake!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook these together until they soften up, about 5-7 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, start adding the chicken broth and milk gradually while whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes a lovely creamy sauce.
4. Combine the Filling:
Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen peas, corn, thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and heated through.
5. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Then, take those delicious mashed potatoes and spoon them over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to spread the potatoes and cover everything completely.
6. Create Texture:
Grab a fork and make some nice little patterns on top of the mashed potatoes. Not only will this look pretty, but it will help the top brown nicely while baking!
7. Bake:
Put your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden brown and the filling to be bubbling. Keep an eye on it if you like your top extra crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set a bit. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy this hearty dish with family or friends!
This comforting shepherd’s pie combines the ease of rotisserie chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful veggies under a golden crust. Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Using fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture. Just make sure to dice them into small pieces and cook them in the skillet until they’re softened before adding them to the pie.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
For a vegetarian shepherd’s pie, you can substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as well!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this shepherd’s pie freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Shepherd’s Pie?
The oven is best for reheating to keep the topping crispy. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!
