Chicken and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
This hearty dish is perfect for a cool March evening, offering a wholesome and flavorful meal. Lean ground chicken is simmered with a medley of garden vegetables in a savory gravy, then crowned with a vibrant, naturally sweet potato topping. It's a satisfying and lighter alternative to traditional shepherd's pie, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set chicken aside.
- 2Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- 3Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in frozen peas, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently bubble for 5 minutes.
- 4While the filling simmers, boil the sweet potato chunks in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until very tender. Drain thoroughly. Mash the sweet potatoes with milk, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- 5Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the skillet (or transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet). Carefully spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the chicken mixture, spreading it to the edges. You can create decorative swirls with a fork if desired.
- 6Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or corn. Adjust cooking times as needed for different vegetable textures.
Can this dish be frozen?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the ground chicken with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What others say
No ratings yet
Be the first to rate this recipe and share your feedback.
Rate Recipe!
RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.
