Chicken Cottage Pie a Weeknight Wonder
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of comfort food, then? Ever had one of those days where only a proper, hearty dinner will do? Well, let me introduce you to my Chicken Cottage Pie ! It's like a big, warm hug on a plate.
Quick Hook: From Shepherd's Pie to Chicken Cottage Pie
Honestly, who doesn't love a good pie? This Chicken Cottage Pie recipe takes the classic shepherd's pie idea and gives it a delicious twist.
Expect creamy, savory chicken with a fluffy mashed potato topping.
Brief Overview: A Classic Reimagined
Think of this as Shepherd's Pie's posh cousin. It's a British staple, reimagined with chicken. This recipe is a medium level challenge, takes about an hour, and feeds six hungry people.
It’s comfort food chicken pie at its finest.
Main Benefits: Healthy ish Comfort
Packed with protein and sneaky veggies, it’s a winner. This leftover chicken cottage pie recipe is perfect for using up that Sunday roast. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients for this easy chicken cottage pie . You'll need bits for the filling and the mash.
Grab your skillet and a big pot; let's get started!. I will tell you all my secrets and experiences with this Rotisserie Chicken Cottage Pie !
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chicken Cottage Pie
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this Chicken Cottage Pie . It's like Chicken Shepherd's Pie , but trust me, chicken makes it sing.
Plus, this recipe is Easy Chicken Cottage Pie .
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
You wanna make sure you got the goods. Here’s what’s on the list:
- Chicken Filling:
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
- One large onion: Chopped. About 1 cup (150g) .
- Carrots: Diced. 1 cup (130g) . Quality carrots are sweet and firm.
- Celery: Diced. 1 cup (100g) .
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (2 tsp/6g) .
- Cooked chicken: 1 lb (450g) , shredded. A Rotisserie Chicken Cottage Pie is the bomb.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) .
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150g) . For a Chicken Cottage Pie with Peas and Carrots , use fresh when possible.
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp .
- Dried rosemary: 1/2 tsp .
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Mashed Potato Topping:
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) .
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (56g) .
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Cheddar cheese: Optional, 1/4 cup (60g) .
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
- Thyme and rosemary are your best friends here. Classic, aromatic, and perfect.
- Garlic makes everything better, doesn’t it?
- If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a little heat.
- Don't be afraid to add a touch of nutmeg to your mash for a Creamy Chicken Cottage Pie Recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Large pot. For those lovely spuds.
- Potato masher or ricer.
- 9x13 inch baking dish .
- My grandma used a fork to pull the chicken apart. This ensures the chicken will be in bite sized pieces
That’s it! Nothing too fancy. Now, let’s get cooking and make some Comfort Food Chicken Pie . And hey, this is a fab way to use Leftover Chicken Cottage Pie , too.
Cooking Up Comfort: My Chicken Cottage Pie Story
Honestly, sometimes you just need a hug in a bowl, you know? That’s what this chicken cottage pie is for me.
It's the ultimate comfort food chicken pie . My nan used to make a cracking Chicken Shepherd's Pie with lamb of course, but I am on the poultry.
This recipe is my homage to that, using chicken. Trust me, it's just as good, if not better. It's like a warm blanket on a cold night.
A few years back, I tried to re-create it, using rotisserie chicken cottage pie from Tesco's, and it was almost the same, perfect for the family, it was a very easy chicken cottage pie .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks (or Chickens!) in a Row
Okay, first things first: mise en place , or as I like to call it, getting your stuff together! Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.
Mince your garlic. Shred your rotisserie chicken cottage pie . If you are using homemade, cool and shred it, you don’t want to burn your fingers! Having everything prepped saves so much time.
Safety first! Keep your knives sharp and focused.
step-by-step: From Veggies to Volcano
- Boil 2.5 lbs potatoes until soft. Mash them with 1/2 cup milk, 4 tbsp butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Sauté diced vegetables in 2 tbsp olive oil until soft. Add minced garlic.
- Whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/2 cup cream.
- Add shredded chicken, sauce, 1 tsp thyme, and 1/2 tsp rosemary to the skillet. Simmer until thick. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas.
- Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar (optional).
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons and Avoidable Disasters
Here’s a tip: a shop bought rotisserie chicken is your friend. Honestly, it is. Why slave over a roast when you can get a perfectly cooked one? Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing the veggies.
The chicken and vegetable pie needs space to brown properly. For a lovely mashed potato topped chicken pie brush the top with melted butter for a golden finish.
If you want, prep the filling ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, and then just assemble and bake later.
You could even make a leftover chicken cottage pie . Simple!
This creamy chicken cottage pie recipe is my go-to when I need something hearty. It’s a proper crowd pleaser, especially on a cold, rainy day.
Hopefully it'll become one of yours too. Enjoy, you lovely lot!
Recipe Notes for Your Champion Chicken Cottage Pie
Right, let's talk about making your Chicken Cottage Pie absolutely banging. These are my hard earned tips, so listen up. I want to give you a comprehensive guide to make the perfect meal.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so presentation matters. Nobody wants a beige blob on their plate, do they? Scoop a generous portion of your Comfort Food Chicken Pie onto a plate.
Add a sprig of parsley for a pop of colour. You know? A little bit of green makes everything look fresher.
Think about serving it with a bright green salad. Steamed green beans also go down a treat. I love a bit of crusty bread on the side for mopping up all that gorgeous sauce from this Mashed Potato Topped Chicken Pie .
If you are feeling naughty, you could even add a mushroom gravy.
Storage Secrets: Fridge and Freezer Tips
Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, make sure they're properly chilled. Pop the Leftover Chicken Cottage Pie in an airtight container and into the fridge as soon as it's cooled down.
It'll keep for 3-4 days . Fancy freezing? You can! Let it cool completely, then wrap it well in cling film and foil.
It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months . To reheat, defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight and bake in a medium oven (around 350° F/ 175° C ) until heated through.
Make sure it's piping hot all the way through, mind!
Variations: Chicken Cottage Pie, Your Way
Fancy a change? Make a lighter version of the Easy Chicken Cottage Pie by using sweet potato mash for the topping.
It adds a bit of sweetness and a lovely colour. A vegetarian one sounds great, right? Replace the chicken with lentils and mushrooms and, boom, Chicken and Vegetable Pie perfection.
A little pinch of chilli flakes never hurt anyone too.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel for the Body
Alright, let's be honest: this Chicken Cottage Pie is comfort food. It is not a kale smoothie, but that doesn't mean it's devoid of goodness.
You are getting protein from the chicken, vitamins from the vegetables, and carbs for energy from the potatoes. That's what I like to call a balanced dish.
Don't stress too much about counting calories. Enjoy it!
So there you have it. The complete guide to serve, store, modify, and understand the nutrition of this recipe. Now go on, get cooking and enjoy every mouthful of your Chicken Shepherd's Pie creation! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken cottage pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling and mashed potato topping separately a day in advance. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. Then, assemble and bake the chicken cottage pie when you're ready to serve. Just be aware that the baking time might increase slightly if the filling is cold.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken cottage pie?
Leftover chicken cottage pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. A little sprinkle of cheese on top when reheating never hurts!
Can I freeze chicken cottage pie?
Yes, chicken cottage pie freezes well! Assemble the pie in a freezer safe dish, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I add to my chicken cottage pie to make it extra flavourful?
For an extra punch of flavour, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of Dijon mustard to the chicken filling. A bay leaf simmered in the sauce while it thickens can also add a subtle depth. Don't forget to remove it before baking, though nobody wants a bay leaf surprise!
You can also cook bacon into the sauce to add a smoky taste.
My mashed potato topping is always a bit bland. Any tips for jazzing it up for this chicken cottage pie?
Bland mashed potatoes are a right tragedy! For a more flavourful topping, try using roasted garlic instead of raw, or add a knob of cream cheese or some grated Parmesan cheese while mashing. A pinch of nutmeg or a spoonful of horseradish can also add a lovely warmth and complexity.
Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs too chives, thyme, or rosemary all work beautifully.
I don't have all the vegetables listed. Can I still make chicken cottage pie?
Absolutely! Chicken Cottage Pie is very flexible. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Swede, parsnips, mushrooms, or even leftover roasted vegetables would all work well. Just ensure the vegetables are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
It is important to have the same amount to ensure the ratios are consistent.
Chicken Cottage Pie A Weeknight Wonder
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | Not specified |
