Oh, the comfort of a good shepherd’s pie—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly night, isn’t it? Now, imagine that hug is gluten-free and served with a side of nostalgia. This recipe is my go-to when I crave something hearty yet light, like finding an old sweater in the back of your closet that still fits perfectly. It’s a delightful contradiction, just like a rainy day that somehow feels cozy and perfect for staying in with a good book.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute. Stir in flour and mix thoroughly until there are no lumps, cooking for another minute.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and chopped chicken to the pan, combining well. Pour in chicken broth, white wine (or extra broth), salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, stirring everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, reheat your mashed potatoes in a pan, adding a bit of milk if needed for a creamier texture.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Carefully spread the reheated mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- ½ cup of finely diced onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups of frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups of chopped, cooked chicken or turkey
- 14 ounces of chicken broth
- ½ cup of white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 3 cups of mashed potatoes
- ¼ cup of milk (optional, to mix in with the potatoes for creaminess)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1092 kcal | Carbohydrates: 210g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Monounsaturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 4194mg | Potassium: N/A | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 14082 IU | Vitamin C: 174mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What vegetables can be used as alternatives to frozen mixed veggies in chicken shepherd’s pie?
- You have the flexibility to use your preferred vegetables. Popular options include frozen peas, corn, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower. If you choose fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, peas, green beans, or mushrooms, be aware that the mixture may need a longer simmering time to ensure everything is cooked through.
- What if I prefer not to use alcohol in cooking?
- No worries! You can replace the wine with additional chicken broth. While the wine adds a touch of acidity, the broth will still provide excellent flavor to the dish.
- Can chicken shepherd’s pie be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and bake it later. Just remember to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking and extend the baking time slightly to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
- Is it possible to freeze chicken shepherd’s pie?
- Yes, you can freeze it, but it’s recommended to bake it first. When stored properly, it will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, covered, at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes.
- How can I make the top of the shepherd’s pie crispier?
- To achieve a crispier top, use a fork to rough up the surface of the mashed potatoes, or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Tips
- To keep things simple, opt for frozen mixed vegetables, or use whatever cooked veggies you have on hand. If using leftover veggies, add them just before topping with mashed potatoes and baking.
- If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe is perfect for using them up. Reheat them gently in a pan, adding a touch of milk to achieve a creamier texture if needed, but start with a small amount and add more as necessary.
- For a crispier topping on your chicken shepherd’s pie, lightly rough up the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- If you’re preparing this dish without leftovers, cook the chicken and mashed potatoes in advance. Dicing the onion and peeling the garlic ahead of time can also streamline the cooking process.
Equipment
- 8×8-inch Baking Dish – Essential for assembling and baking the shepherd’s pie.
- Large Sauté Pan – Required for sautéing the onions, garlic, and cooking the chicken mixture.
- Medium Saucepan – Useful for reheating the mashed potatoes.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure accurate oven temperature for baking.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula – For stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
