Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering twist on the classic shepherd's pie! This isn't your ordinary comfort food - it's a flavor-packed, nutritious meal that will have your family begging for seconds. By swapping traditional lamb for lean ground chicken and adding a luxurious garlic kale mash, we've created a dish that's both indulgent and surprisingly healthy. Imagine a golden-brown, bubbling pie with a creamy, vibrant topping that's guaranteed to make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots, sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the chicken is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir to coat. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add peas and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- While the chicken mixture is simmering, place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- In a separate small pan, sauté minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk, sautéed garlic, and chopped kale. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the garlic kale mash, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the pie to set and makes it easier to portion.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken mixture, ensure you brown the meat thoroughly and don't rush the sautéing of vegetables.
- When making the kale mash, squeeze out excess water from the kale to prevent a watery topping.
- Use room temperature milk and butter when mashing potatoes for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of grated cheese on top before the final bake.
- This dish freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for a quick future meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
