If you're craving a dish that combines comfort food with a spicy kick, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Shepherd's Pie! Imagine tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a zesty buffalo sauce, layered over colorful mixed vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to dive into this deliciously bold twist on a classic? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated and thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the frozen mixed vegetables in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a colorful vegetable base.
- Carefully distribute the buffalo-sauced chicken over the vegetable layer, creating a uniform chicken layer that covers the entire dish.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by ensuring they are smooth and well-seasoned with salt and pepper. If the potatoes are cold, gently reheat them to make spreading easier.
- Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the chicken layer, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that completely covers the chicken and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the mashed potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the edges are slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the layers to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional buffalo sauce, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, use leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken you have on hand. It makes preparation a breeze and adds great flavor.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference. If you like it milder, start with less sauce and add more to taste.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to use any frozen mixed vegetables you prefer, such as peas, corn, or carrots. This allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes: For the best mashed potatoes, ensure they are creamy and well-seasoned. Adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream can elevate the flavor and texture.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: After baking, consider garnishing with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
- Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese while baking; if it starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Shepherd's Pie that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
