This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is a creamy, savory spin on the traditional dish, loaded with mixed veggies and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a simple way to turn leftover chicken into a cozy, comforting meal that hits every time.
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Irish
Keyword chicken shepherd's pie, shepherd's pie with chicken
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 minuteminute
Servings 6
Calories 620kcal
Equipment
Large Pot
Large Sauté Pan or skillet
Large Mixing Bowl
Potato masher or fork
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon silicone spatula
Oven safe baking dish
Ingredients
2large chicken breastsabout 1.5 lbs
1lbpurple potatoes
1lbtaro root
1lbwhite potatoes
1large oniondiced
1green bell pepperdiced
1red bell pepperdiced
4clovesgarlicminced
2cupsfrozen mixed vegetablesdefrosted
1/2cupsweet white wine
2cupschicken broth
1/3cupflour
1/3cupbutter or butter substitute
1/4cupmilk
1/4cupmixed Italian cheesesI'm using the Kraft brand made with 2% milk
1/4cupbutter or butter substitute
1tspdried oregano
1tspsmoked paprikafor seasoning the chicken
About 1 tbsp smoked paprikaused as a garnish for baking
2tspsalt
pinchof cayenne powder
2tbspoil for sauteing chicken
1tbspoil or cooking spray for greasing baking dish
Instructions
Prep the chicken and boil the potatoes.
Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks and season with salt, cayenne, oregano, garlic, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes. Meanwhile, peel and dice the purple potatoes, white potatoes, and taro root. Add them to a pot with 1 tsp salt, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until all the potatoes are fork-tender, then drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
Make the chicken and veggie filling.
In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and sear the marinated chicken over high heat until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, melt 1/3 cup butter, then sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the wine and chicken broth, then cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Add in the mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Mash the potatoes.
Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup butter, milk, cheese, and the reserved cooking water. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and bake.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a medium or large baking dish. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into the dish, then spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Use a fork to press down the mash and create a textured surface. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden. If needed, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to get that browned finish.