Have you ever found yourself wondering what to call that delicious comfort food dish when you swap out the traditional lamb for chicken? If you’re like me, you might have been casually calling it “chicken shepherd’s pie” without realizing you were committing a culinary faux pas! Let’s dive into this tasty terminology confusion and settle it once and for all
The Great Pie Identity Crisis
I’ll be honest – for years I’ve been calling pretty much any meat topped with mashed potatoes a “shepherd’s pie.” Turns out I’ve been living a lie! According to culinary tradition, there are specific names for these dishes based on what meat you use. Let me break it down for you
- Shepherd’s Pie – Made with ground lamb or mutton (because shepherds tend sheep!)
- Cottage Pie – Made with ground beef
- Chicken Cottage Pie – The chicken version we’re discussing today
- Gardener’s Pie – The vegetarian version (no meat)
- Cumberland Pie – Similar but topped with breadcrumbs
So technically, when you make a “shepherd’s pie” with chicken, it should be called Chicken Cottage Pie. But here’s where it gets confusing – many recipes (even published ones) call it “Chicken Shepherd’s Pie” despite the terminology contradiction!
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion exists partly because “shepherd’s pie” has become somewhat of a generic term in North America for any dish with a meat and vegetable base topped with mashed potatoes. It’s kind of like how people call all tissues “Kleenex” even when they’re a different brand.
As one food blogger admits: “I’ve always been guilty of calling it Shepherd’s Pie, which apparently is wrong — reprehensibly wrong. Oh well. I might have been giving it the wrong name, but it still tasted very good and felt very nice in my tummy.”
I totally relate to this sentiment! Who cares what it’s called when it tastes so good?
The Perfect Marriage: Chicken Pot Pie Meets Cottage Pie
When we make a chicken version of this classic dish, we’re essentially creating a beautiful hybrid between two comfort food favorites:
- Chicken Pot Pie – That creamy chicken and vegetable filling we all love
- Cottage Pie – The concept of topping a meat base with mashed potatoes
The result? A lighter, healthier version of both classics that gives you the best of both worlds without the hassle of making pie crust. Win-win!
Why Choose Chicken Cottage Pie?
There are several compelling reasons to make chicken cottage pie:
- Healthier Option: Chicken is leaner than traditional ground beef or lamb
- No Pie Crust Required: Skip the indulgent, time-consuming crust
- Great for Leftovers: Perfect way to use up leftover roast chicken or turkey
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this comfort food
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
Key Ingredients for an Amazing Chicken Cottage Pie
Whether you call it chicken shepherd’s pie or chicken cottage pie here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious version
For the Filling:
- Cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie works great!)
- Vegetables (typically carrots, peas, corn, celery)
- Onions and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Seasonings (sage, thyme, salt, pepper)
For the Topping:
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work best)
- Milk or cream
- Butter or sour cream
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: cheese for sprinkling on top
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cottage Pie
Having made this dish countless times (and called it by the wrong name just as often), I’ve picked up some tricks:
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Salt Your Potato Water Like the Sea: This is crucial for flavorful mashed potatoes – bland potatoes will ruin even the best filling.
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Use an Electric Mixer for Potatoes: This might be controversial, but using an electric mixer creates the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potatoes without overworking them.
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Don’t Thaw Frozen Vegetables: Add them frozen – they’ll release just enough water to create a natural sauce.
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Let It Rest: After baking, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes serving easier.
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Broil for a Golden Top: For that beautiful golden crust on top, broil for the last few minutes (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!).
Recipe Variations to Try
One of the best things about chicken cottage pie is how adaptable it is:
- Sweet Potato Topping: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a nutritional boost
- Cheese It Up: Add cheese to the potato topping or mix some into the filling
- Wine-Infused: Replace some of the broth with white wine for depth of flavor
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy dimension
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick
Is It Worth the Fuss? Absolutely!
Despite the terminology confusion, chicken cottage pie is absolutely worth adding to your recipe rotation. It’s:
- Comforting without being too heavy
- Perfect for meal prep (it freezes beautifully!)
- Adaptable to what you have on hand
- A complete meal in one dish
My Personal Take on the Name Debate
Honestly? While I now know the technically correct term is “chicken cottage pie,” I think we can all agree that the name matters way less than how it tastes. If you grew up calling it chicken shepherd’s pie, I’m not gonna be the food police!
As one home cook put it: “I might have been giving it the wrong name, but it still tasted very good and felt very nice in my tummy.” I couldn’t agree more!
The Bottom Line
So what is shepherd’s pie with chicken called? Technically, it’s “chicken cottage pie.” But in reality, it’s called delicious comfort food that your whole family will love, regardless of what name you give it.
The next time someone corrects you for calling it chicken shepherd’s pie, you can politely inform them of the technical difference – then invite them over to taste it because, let’s be real, nobody can resist a good chicken cottage pie once it’s in front of them!
Have you been calling this dish by the wrong name too? Or do you have a special twist on your chicken cottage pie recipe? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your comfort food traditions!
FAQ About Chicken Cottage Pie
Can I make chicken cottage pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just be aware you might need to add extra baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze chicken cottage pie?
Yes! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What sides go well with chicken cottage pie?
Since it’s a complete meal with protein, vegetables and starch, a simple green salad is all you need. If you want something more, crusty bread works well to sop up any gravy.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Turkey works wonderfully, especially after Thanksgiving when you need creative ways to use up leftovers.
So there you have it – whether you call it chicken shepherd’s pie or chicken cottage pie, this comfort food classic deserves a place in your dinner rotation!
