Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

I originally shared this recipe for Chicken and Leek Sheherd’s Pie on February 17, 2015. I have updated the photos and text to share it with you today.

Why We Love This Recipe For Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

When cool weather sneaks upon us, I always look forward to making homemade Shepherd’s Pie. To me, it’s the perfect all-in-one dish that warms you from the inside out!

Shepherd’s Pie is a savory meat pie that is mixed with sweet vegetables, luscious gravy and topped with smooth mashed potatoes. In the UK, from where the dish hails, it is typically made with lamb. Here it is often made with ground beef. Try my version of Healthy Shepherd’s Pie Here or my Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie topped with squash. The whole casserole is then browned in the oven to form a crust-like topping that is perfectly crisp on the top and creamy underneath.

This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is an adaptation of Aimee Wimbush-Bourque’s “Chicken Leek Shepherd’s Pie” recipe from her book Brown Eggs and Jam Jars. While the original recipe calls solely for chicken, this dish is wonderful with left-over chicken, left-over Thanksgiving turkey, or even a rotisserie chicken from the local grocery store.  

And while we know many of you may be intimidated to make a shepherd’s pie – we’re here to tell you not to worry! This recipe is simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, and just what you’ll need on a chilly evening to hit the spot.

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

Cooked Chicken or Turkey

This recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked left-over chicken, left-over turkey, or rotisserie chicken. You can chop it or shred it depending on which you prefer.

Mashed Potatoes

Leftover mashed potatoes are needed to top this meat pie. While I find that the flavor of my Simple Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes complements richness of this dish quite well, feel free to use your favorite mashed potato recipe to top this casserole. Roasted Garlic Mashed potatoes would also be lovely.

Heavy Cream

You can use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream to make the gravy extra creamy. If you are looking to lighten up the calories use half the amount of cream, and thin it with chicken broth to make up the difference.

Leek

Use only the white and light green parts of the leek. I also find that their mild onion-like, slightly sweet flavor complements the savory undertones of the dish really well.

Corn

Sweet corn is a low fat, high fiber vegetable that adds a natural sweetness to this savory dish. While I prefer to use thawed frozen corn, feel free to use canned – just be sure to drain any excess liquid and rinse it prior to adding to skillet.

Chicken Stock or Broth

For the rest of the sauce you’ll want chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth. While using chicken stock will produce a richer flavor gravy, low-sodium chicken broth is a great option to use if you are running low on time and can’t make your stock.

Unsalted Butter

Salt content in butters varies from brand-to-brand and in a recipe, salt either enhances or masks flavors. To control the salt in this dish, be sure to use unsalted butter. However, if you are unable to locate unsalted, just reduce the amount of additional salt by a 1/4 teaspoon of salt per 1/2 cup of butter.

All-Purpose Flour

To thicken the sauce, we used all-purpose flour. For gluten-free alternatives, we suggest using a cornstarch slurry instead of trying to use gluten-free flours. 

Parsley

Fresh parsley has a mild bitter and peppery taste which enhances the savory elements of this dish. Here it is finely chopped and sprinkled on top to garnish and to give the dish a pop of color. If you are unable to locate fresh, feel free to leave off.

Salt and Pepper

Note that we recommend table salt for this recipe. You may use kosher salt instead, but you will want to double the amount.

Black pepper has a distinct earthiness to its flavor that pairs extremely well with the savory flavors of the meat, the sweetness of the corn, and the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.  

Step By Step Instructions To Make This Recipe

Step 1: Sautee Leek

In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or stove-to-oven casserole, heat butter over medium high heat.  Add leek and cook until softened and starting to brown.

Step 2: Make Gravy

Sprinkle flour over cooked leek and stir to coat.  Whisk in broth and then gradually stir in cream.  Bring to simmer.  Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until sauce is thickened.

Step 3: Assemble Shepherd’s Pie

Stir in chicken, corn, parsley, salt and pepper to leek mixture and remove from heat.  Top with mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Bake Pie

Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and potatoes are browned. Serve immediately and enjoy!   

FAQ And Expert Tips For This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

More Recipes To Try This Season

If you are looking for additional ways to use your leftover chicken or turkey this Chicken and Biscuit Casserole is a hearty and filling casserole chock-full of flavorful fresh veggies and herbs. It is an easy-to-whip up dish that the whole family will love!

These Simple Brussels Sprouts are so easy to make and tossed in a simple garlic butter and olive oil sauce. They pair well with the flavors of this healthy chicken shepherd’s pie.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a 20-minute side dish full of finely sliced raw Brussels sprouts that are made into a healthy and festive slaw. It pairs well with the flavors in this casserole, and it is also the perfect dish to serve along with any holiday, fall, or wintertime meal.