Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional Shepherd's Pie. It comes together quickly and easily and is an awesome way to use leftover chicken or turkey!

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (1)

Try some other great recipes for using leftover chicken or turkey like Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Copycat Panera Bread Chicken Salad.

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This post contains Affiliate Links. Please see the disclaimer here.

Meet your new favorite leftover meal: Chicken Shepherd's Pie. I love traditional Shepherd's Pie as much as the next person, in fact, some of the best Shepherd's Pie I've had has been the classic variety that you can find at all the good Irish pubs. But sometimes it's a good idea to add your own twist, especially when it allows you to repurpose leftovers.

Which is actually what inspired me to make this recipe. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I was in search of a good way to use leftover turkey, and this particular recipe provides the added bonus of using leftover mashed potatoes if you have them. It's quick, easy and totally comforting!

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (2)

Tips for making Shepherd's Pie

  • To keep things simple, I like to use frozen mixed veggies. You could also use leftover cooked veggies of your choice, just add them at the last minute before covering with potatoes and baking.
  • If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is the perfect recipe to use them. I like to heat them up in a medium pan and depending on their texture, you can add a little milk to make them creamier (start slow- you can always add more).
  • This recipe makes a smaller pan, around 8x8 or 9x9. If you need more you can always double the recipe for a 9x13 pan.

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (3)

Can you make shepherd's pie ahead?

I'd say assemble it and then bake it later. Just adjust your baking time so that it gets fully heated through.

What if I don’t cook with alcohol?

No problem, just replace the wine with additional chicken broth.

What goes with shepherd's pie?

The thing I love most about this easy shepherd's pie recipe is that it's already got everything you need in it to make it a well-rounded meal on it's own. That said, a green salad and some crusty bread would always go well with this!

How long does shepherd’s pie last?

Depending on how old the leftovers are, 2-3 days covered in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze shepherd's pie?

Yes, but I'd bake it through first.

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (4)

Ingredients for making this easy Shepherd's Pie:

  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Flour
  • Frozen mixed vegetables
  • Cooked chicken or turkey
  • Chicken broth
  • White wine
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Poultry seasoning
  • Mashed potatoes

Ingredients to prep ahead:

  • Dice onion
  • Peel garlic
  • Cook and shred chicken (or shred a rotisserie chicken)
  • Make mashed potatoes

Helpful tools:

  1. Large saute pan
  2. Wooden spoon
  3. Chef's knife
  4. Cutting board
  5. Measuring cups
  6. Measuring spoons
  7. 8" x 8" baking pan

Hosting Thanksgiving?

Discover the secret to hosting Thanksgiving without all the stress! Prepsgiving is your FREE guide to making a delicious Thanksgiving feast the easy way.

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (5)

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Jessy Freimann

This Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional Shepherd's Pie. It comes together quickly and easily and is an awesome way to use leftover chicken or turkey!

5 from 32 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main, Main Course, Main dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
  • 1 14 ounce can chicken broth
  • ½ cup white wine (or broth)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper,
  • ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes
  • ¼ cup milk (optional- this is to mix in with the potatoes while reheating them and should only be used if you want to make them creamier. Add it in slowly, a tablespoon at a time).

Instructions

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions!And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @thelifejolie so I can share it <3

You can find a full index of my recipeshere.

Don’t forget to follow The Life Jolie onPinterestfor more recipe inspiration!

Or if Pinterest isn’t your style,bookmark this post!

Let’s keep the conversation going- join myFacebook group!

« Leftover Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Great for Turkey Leftovers too!)

Molasses Cookies »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hayley says

    My family loved this! I didn’t have enough broth on hand so I added some cream of chicken soup. I also doctored up my mashed potatoes with cream cheese and garlic. The end result was delicious! Thank you for a yummy recipe!

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      I'm so glad you loved it Hayley- it sounds like you made some seriously delicious changes!

      Reply

    • Karen says

      Good idea about the cream of chicken soup. I added it to the shopping list after I read your comment.

      Reply

    • Sue says

      I was pleasantly surprised with this recipe. Used leftover rotisserie chicken, used 2 t.poultry seasoning. Followed the rest of recipe. My guys loved it.

      Reply

  2. Denise says

    Will definitely make again, delicious. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      So glad you liked it!

      Reply

    • Lynda says

      I live in Ghana, Africa and there is no cream of chicken soup so I followed the recipe as given - except I added a spoonful of BBQ sauce that gave it a nice smoky taste! Yummy!

      Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      It's so awesome that you're cooking- I wish I had done more cooking at 15! So glad you guys enjoyed it!

      Reply

  3. Crystal says

    Tastes great! I had leftover roast chicken and really wanted pot pie but no time for it. This recipe is so easy to follow and was perfect for what I wanted.

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      I'm so glad to hear it Crystal- thank you!

      Reply

  4. Sharon says

    I made this for the first time 2 weeks ago and my daughter (who is 30 and doesn't normally like such things) demanded I make it again tonight! A definite hit, she even takes the leftovers to work for lunch! So I'm making it again lol. Thank you so much for the recipe idea!

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Thanks so much for sharing Sharon! As the wife of an extremely picky eater, it always means so much to me to hear about when someone likes a recipe of mine that they wouldn't normally be into!

      Reply

  5. Kathy says

    I made this with leftover chicken and dumplings. I used frozen mixed vegetables, instant mashed potatoes sprinkled with dried parsley flakes. Baked uncovered 30 mins on 350° turned out great!

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Such a smart way to enjoy leftovers Kathy- so glad you liked it!

      Reply

  6. Amanda says

    Would mashed sweet potatoes work in place if mashed potatoes?

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      I think they've a delicious substitute!

      Reply

  7. Jennifer says

    We enjoyed this recipe. I had a Costco roast chicken to use up & this recipe was perfect. I cut it in 1/2 since I didn’t want leftovers. I didn’t have the frozen veggies so I used fresh diced carrots, frozen corn & 1/2 can green beans. It worked perfect. We like poultry seating so I doubled it. I took the suggestion of another commenter who added garlic & cream cheese to the mashed potatoes & it was delicious.

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Yummmm- I'm so glad you loved it and love hearing about the changes you made <3

      Reply

  8. Darryl says

    Very good! Loved it! Easy to make & cooked perfectly! Will definitely make again!

    Reply

  9. Helen says

    I added curry powder instead of poultry seasoning and some cilantro and wow, what deliciousness!

    Reply

  10. Shira Rabinowitz says

    I just put mine in the oven and it smells so good! Super fast easy simple and I basically threw all my frozen veggies in there. Can't wait to taste it!

    Reply

  11. Julie says

    This was just as delicious as we thought it would be! Will definitely be making it again. Now I'm excited for leftover turkey, which I usually run out of ideas for!

    Reply

  12. Connie and Jon says

    Love this so much!! Really delicious. Hard to believe it tastes this good from such a simple recipe.Thank You!!

    Reply

  13. Jeannette Shields says

    Thank you for this delicious recipe. I used gluten free chicken stock and gluten free flour. I’m using leftover chicken breasts (shredded) because I’m making this in May. I will be sure to make it many times because I like poultry a lot. Thank you for the option to reduce the size. I’m the only one eating here, so I reduced it to three so I can eat it tomorrow and the next day. Thank you again. I hope you have a lot more recipes.

    Reply

  14. Mary says

    This has to be one of the most delicious and easy recipes I have ever made. It is a firm favourite and I make it often. Thank you

    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Thanks for sharing <3

      Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Leftover Chicken Shepherd's Pie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Cumberland pie made of? ›

Potato (Sulphites) (35%), Beef (17%), Water, Turnip, Red Wine (Sulphites), Onions, Swede, Wholemeal Breadcrumb [Wholemeal Wheat Flour, Yeast, Salt], Carrots, Leeks, Chopped Tomatoes, Thickener (E1422), Tomato Paste, Yeast Extract, Garlic Puree, Sugar, Red Wine Vinegar, Unsalted Butter (Milk), Beef Stock [Beef, ...

Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? ›

Classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies like peas, corn, celery, and carrots. Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? Avoid a soggy pie by simmering the meat mixture for at least 8 minutes. Be sure to cook down the mixture to remove excess moisture.

What can I use to thicken my shepherd's pie? ›

The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.

How do you keep mash from sinking in shepherds pie? ›

To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one.

What is Kentucky Derby pie made of? ›

Derby pie is a chocolate and walnut open-faced custard pie baked in a (pre-baked) pie shell. The pie was created in the Melrose Inn of Prospect, Kentucky, United States, by George Kern with the help of his parents, Walter and Leaudra. It is often associated with the Kentucky Derby.

What is a Grosvenor pie? ›

The "gala pie" is a variety of pork pie where the filling includes a proportion of chicken and a hard-boiled egg (also known as a Grosvenor pie). Gala pies are often baked in long, loaf-type tins, with multiple eggs arranged along the centre.

Why does my potato sink in shepherd's pie? ›

How do you keep potatoes from sinking in shepherd's pie? Let the beef layer cool before you top it with the mashed potatoes. This is the number one way to keep your potatoes from sinking. Another tip is to not make your potatoes too runny because firmer mashed potatoes stay more level while baking.

Why does shepherd's pie need to go in the oven? ›

Both ingredients are already cooked so it really only needs to be in the oven long enough for the potato to form a golden brown crust on top. Minced or ground beef is used for a Cottage Pie not a Shepherds pie.

Why does my shepherd's pie fall apart? ›

How do you keep shepherd's pie from falling apart? Make sure your casserole dish is the right size. You should also have firm mashed potatoes so it won't fall apart when you're serving. As you put the topping on, don't press too hard, using a gentle touch to smooth it out.

Why put flour in shepherd's pie? ›

Flour: Used to thicken the filling, creating a sauce to coat the ingredients. Stock: Beef stock or broth enhances the meaty taste of the filling.

What to eat shepherd's pie with? ›

What to Serve With Shepherd's Pie: 20 Delicious Ideas for a Comforting Dinner
  • 01 of 21. Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread. ...
  • 02 of 21. Classic Caesar Salad. ...
  • 03 of 21. Honey Roasted Carrots. ...
  • 04 of 21. Quick and Easy Yorkshire Pudding. ...
  • 05 of 21. Green Salad. ...
  • 06 of 21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 07 of 21. Great Garlic Bread. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Feb 7, 2024

What is traditional shepherd's pie made of? ›

Classic Shepherd's Pie is a comforting casserole that consists of ground lamb, carrots, and peas simmered with Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs and topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer that's baked until golden and crisp.

Why is my shepherd's pie sloppy? ›

If your casserole is too runny, chances are you either didn't add enough flour to thicken the gravy or you didn't simmer it long enough to reduce the liquid. Also, make sure your potatoes are thoroughly drained before making the mashed potatoes, so the topping is not too sloppy.

Should I put shepherds pie in the fridge? ›

Can Shepherd's Pie Be Made Ahead and/or Frozen? Yes! You can prepare the entire shepherd's pie up to two days in advance, cover and refrigerate. Add 15 to 20 minutes to the baking time if the casserole goes straight from the refrigerator to the oven.

Can I reheat shepherds pie twice? ›

While most food can be reheated more than once, it is better to only reheat food once which is why it's suggested that you split large portions into smaller ones. Each time you reheat and cool food it is likely that you will alter the food's taste/texture as well as increasing the chances of bacteria growing.

What is North Carolina's favorite pie? ›

Pumpkin Pie

North Carolinians aren't alone in their love of the flavorful dessert staple. Two other states enjoy this sweet, smooth treat more than any other flavor of pie: South Dakota and West Virginia. Here are North Carolina's Top 5 favorite types of pie: Pumpkin Pie.

What kind of pie is Tennessee known for? ›

One of our favorite Tennessee desserts is the chess pie, a true Southern classic. Made with just eggs, butter, and sugar, with the addition of cornmeal and vinegar, this pie was the sweet born out of necessity and scarcity. People used to bake with what ingredients they had on hand.

Why are Amish pies so good? ›

While baking, fresh butter is used generously to achieve that ideal, moist consistency. From pie crusts to cakes, Amish baking never tastes dry or crumbles apart thanks to its addition. The butter is the key to holding everything together and making it extra savory.

What pie is Louisiana known for? ›

Louisiana recognized the Natchitoches meat pie as the official state meat pie in 2003. The city of Natchitoches in northern Louisiana (named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe, pronounced NAK-uh-tush) offers a regional delicacy popular since the late 1700's – the Natchitoches meat pie.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 6693

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.