This Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish filled with tender chicken, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s simple and great for a cozy dinner!
The best part? You can whip it up quickly using store-bought chicken. I love how it warms me up on chilly nights, and leftovers taste even better! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish! I love how it saves time since it’s pre-cooked, but you can use any cooked chicken. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works great too!
Mashed Potatoes: I use homemade mashed potatoes, creamy with butter and milk. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes can be a good shortcut. You could also try cauliflower mash for a lighter option.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are easy and convenient! Fresh veggies are great too—just remember to chop them small and cook for a bit longer to soften them.
Cheddar Cheese: I love the sharpness of cheddar here. If you want something milder, you could substitute with mozzarella. For a fancy twist, consider Gruyère or gouda.
Onion and Garlic: These add great flavor. Shallots can replace the onion for a sweeter taste, and onion powder can work in a pinch if you’re out.
How Do I Make a Perfect Roux?
The roux is key for a creamy filling, and it’s simpler than it sounds! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft—3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the flavor develops!
- Sprinkle flour over this mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks the flour to remove any raw taste and creates a paste-like consistency.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth while keeping the mixture moving. This helps avoid lumps. Cook until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes!
This technique is all about patience. A good roux should be smooth and creamy, setting up the base for your shepherd’s pie!
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shepherd’s pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus a few extra minutes for resting. So, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, comforting meal in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pie is ready to go in!
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant. This will give your pie a great base flavor!
3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which helps thicken the filling.
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Gradually whisk in the 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season the Filling:
Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. This is where your filling starts to come alive with flavor!
6. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce. Mix well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
7. Make It Creamy:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of milk or heavy cream. Mix this until it’s all creamy and delicious.
8. Assemble the Pie:
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly at the bottom. Then, spoon the prepared mashed potatoes on top, smoothing out the surface with a spatula or a fork.
9. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a cheesy, bubbly crust.
10. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you’d like a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
11. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a little.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie! It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken from a roast, grill, or even rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the filling!
Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes Instead of Homemade?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver! Just prepare them according to the package instructions, and they will work wonderfully as a topping for your shepherd’s pie.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Recipe?
Feel free to use any veggies you like or have on hand! Fresh vegetables such as chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be great options. Just ensure they are finely chopped and cooked to your desired tenderness before adding them to the mixture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can use the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
