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A hearty slice of chicken pot pie casserole with shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a golden, browned mashed potato topping.

Quick Chicken and Potato Shepherd's Pie

This recipe transforms leftover rotisserie chicken into a comforting, low-effort shepherd's pie with a creamy mashed potato topping. It is a simple, balanced meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken skin removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1/2 cup corn optional
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
For the mashed potato topping
  • 3 Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • to taste Salt

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Potato masher or hand mixer
  • Baking dish (8x8 or similar)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk. Season with salt. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Stir in the peas, carrots, and corn.
  3. Mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute to coat all ingredients.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the filling until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your baking dish. Top the filling with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Drag a fork across the top to create ridges if you want extra browning. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if you are using it.
  6. Broil the dish for 5 to 7 minutes until the potato topping is golden and slightly crispy.
  7. Let the shepherd's pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and hold their shape better.

Notes

Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts the preparation time significantly, making this a true quick dinner option. If you skip the optional corn, the flavor remains savory and focused on the chicken and vegetables.

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