Easy Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie – Healthy Comfort Food Casserole for Family Dinner

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a wholesome, hearty classic to your family table? Today we’re making a lighter twist on a beloved comfort food favorite—Easy Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie – Healthy Comfort Food Casserole for Family Dinner. This nourishing casserole keeps all the cozy flavors you crave, but swaps traditional red meat for lean ground chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

This shepherd’s pie is layered with savory ground chicken simmered in herbs, garlic, and tender vegetables, all tucked beneath a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table with warm smiles and second helpings. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or meal prepping ahead, this recipe is simple, affordable, and deeply comforting.

Whether you’re cooking for children, friends, or simply treating yourself to something homemade and heartfelt, this healthy comfort food casserole delivers traditional flavor with a wholesome touch. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Easy Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie :

For the Creamy Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup warm milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra warmth)

For the Savory Ground Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Topping:

• ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿

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Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie :

1. Begin by preparing the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Allow excess steam to escape for a minute to prevent watery mash.
3. Add butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar casserole dish.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart gently with a wooden spoon and cook for 5–6 minutes until no longer pink.
8. Mix in the chopped carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
9. Stir in tomato paste and flour, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
10. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. This creates a rich, savory sauce that binds the filling together.
11. Add peas, corn, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. The filling should be moist but not soupy.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
13. Transfer the ground chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into a smooth layer.
14. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top. Spread evenly with a spatula. For a traditional look, use a fork to create decorative ridges across the surface.
15. If using cheese, sprinkle it lightly over the mashed potatoes.
16. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
17. For a beautifully browned finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.
18. Remove from oven and allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set nicely.
19. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. 🍽️

Nutritional Information for Easy Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie :

This healthy ground chicken shepherd’s pie offers a balanced combination of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and comforting carbohydrates. Using ground chicken instead of beef lowers the saturated fat while still delivering hearty flavor. The generous vegetable base provides vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness that complement the savory herbs.

By controlling sodium levels with low-sodium broth and moderate seasoning, this casserole remains family-friendly and heart-conscious. You may further lighten the recipe by using olive oil instead of butter in the mashed potatoes or incorporating Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.

Each serving provides satisfying nourishment without feeling overly heavy—making it ideal for a wholesome family dinner that leaves everyone comfortably full and content.

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 350–380 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

This dish contains approximately:

• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg

Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!

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