Craving a comforting, delicious meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Chicken Shepherd Pie recipe! This classic dish gets a healthy makeover, boasting tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a fluffy mashed sweet potato topping – a delightful twist on the traditional. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or a cozy meal for a chilly evening. Get ready to enjoy this homemade culinary masterpiece! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or healthy meals without sacrificing deliciousness.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and corn mix
For the Sweet Potato Topping:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Chicken Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the frozen peas and corn mix.
Preparing the Sweet Potato Topping:
- While the chicken filling simmers, boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking the Shepherd Pie:
- Pour the chicken filling into the skillet.
- Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the chicken filling.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
Tips for the Best Chicken Shepherd Pie:
- For extra flavor: Sauté some mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken filling for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the chicken filling and sweet potato topping separately ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or chop it and add it to the filling.
Variations:
- Classic Shepherd's Pie: Substitute regular potatoes for the sweet potatoes.
- Beef Shepherd's Pie: Replace the chicken with ground beef for a traditional twist.
- Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie: Use lentils or mushrooms as a meat substitute.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Chicken Shepherd Pie recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a comforting classic. It's a simple recipe perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy!