This Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and comforting dish that comes together quickly. It’s filled with tasty veggies and topped with creamy mashed potatoes!
Using rotisserie chicken makes this super easy. I just mix, layer, and bake—dinner is ready without a fuss! Plus, the crusty top is always a hit with everyone! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish! It’s already cooked, making this recipe quick and easy. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken or turkey works great too. Just shred it as needed.
Mashed Potatoes: I love creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or buttermilk instead of cream. You can also use store-bought mashed potatoes for convenience.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are easy to use, but you can substitute them with fresh veggies like diced carrots, peas, or green beans if you prefer. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before adding.
Mushrooms: I opt for button mushrooms, but feel free to use other types like cremini or shiitake for richer flavor. If you’re not a mushroom fan, leave them out entirely or substitute with diced bell peppers.
How Do I Make My Filling Smooth and Flavorful?
The filling is crucial for a delicious Shepherd’s Pie. Start with the roux by cooking butter and flour for a couple of minutes; this helps thicken your sauce. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Medium heat is your friend! It ensures the roux cooks without burning.
- Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the veggies and chicken. It’s important to heat everything through before transferring it to the baking dish.
- Taste your mixture! Adjust salt and pepper as needed for that perfect balance.
Don’t forget to let the pie sit after baking! This helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy making it!
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and cream)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shepherd’s Pie will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and then 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. So, you’ll be enjoying a warm, hearty meal in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Shepherd’s Pie cooks evenly and gets nice and golden on top.
2. Cook the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they’re translucent, which should take around 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and browned, stirring often to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Make the Roux:
Next, stir in the flour and cook it for 1-2 minutes. This mixture, known as a roux, helps thicken your filling, so keep stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Create the Sauce:
Now, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, continuing to stir until your mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This should only take a few minutes!
6. Combine the Filling:
Add in the frozen mixed vegetables, shredded rotisserie chicken, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will be the bottom layer of your pie!
8. Top with Mashed Potatoes:
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or a fork to smooth out the top—feel free to create some swirls or peaks for extra texture!
9. Add Cheese (if using):
If you’d like to add cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the mashed potatoes for a tasty, cheesy topping.
10. Bake the Pie:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the filling bubbly—your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Let it Rest:
Once it’s done baking, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the filling set up a bit.
12. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to make it look extra nice. Then, scoop out a hearty serving of your delicious Rotisserie Chicken Shepherd’s Pie and enjoy!
Bon appétit! This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a little extra warmth in your meal.
Can I Use Store-Bought Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Store-bought mashed potatoes are a great time-saver. Just make sure they’re warmed up before spreading them on top of the chicken mixture for a more even bake.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can easily swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh options like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just sauté them until tender before adding them to the filling.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
