Last Minute Chicken Dinner

Dinner a few nights ago was almost a disaster ... saved by the chicken!

I try to menu plan and only buy the things we need for that weeks meals.  I had apple butter pork chops with roasted carrots and zucchini on the menu for that night but when I went to get the pork ready and opened the pack I almost puked from the smell of the meat.  I had just purchased the pork the day before and the BB date was Feb. 17, but something must have had the wrong dates.

I had to find something else to make in less than an hour and all that was in the fridge was a whole chicken and ground chicken.  As my brother always says, "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!" So by time default ground chicken was the winner ... but what to do with it?

Chicken pot pie ... no pastry ready
Chicken tacos ... DooDoo can't do peppers or tomato right now
Chicken Shepherds pie ... done! DooDoo can eat everything in it and should only take about 45mins.

Here's my version of a quick Dairy Free, Gluten Free Chicken Shepherds Pie

Potatoes in boiling water

Boil a pot of water and add chopped yellow potatoes.  The smaller you chop the potato the quicker they will cook in the boiling water.

While the potatoes are cooking brown the chicken, add 1/2 chopped onion and cook until brown.

Love the colours

Add frozen veggies, as many as you like.  I used a package of mixed peas, carrots, corn and green beans.

Add about 1 cup of gluten-free chicken or veggie stock and which ever spices you would like.  I used my new favourite Marjoram leaves.

Great on so many dishes!

I didn't have any gluten-free worcestershire sauce and I think thats what was missing but if you have some add it in here too.  

Mashed potato topping

Once the potatoes are done (done = when you can prick with a fork and the potato feels like butter) add  about 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken/veggie broth, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tsp garlic powder and mash.

Ready for the topping

In a casserole dish fill with the meat and veggies mixture.  Add the mashed potatoes and use a fork to whip up the potatoes.  

Ready for the oven

Brush some melted coconut oil or EVOO on top of potatoes and put in 400 degree pre heated oven for about 20 minutes.  After cooked, put under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is nice and crispy.

Crispy top and ready to eat!

Serve it up and enjoy!

DooDoo loved his.  I did chop up the chicken pieces and green beans a little smaller but he did good eating it with his hands.  Lots ended up in his hair but thats what bath time is for right?!?!

DooDoo's is ready to go

What spices and flavours do you love on your Shepherds Pie??

If you serve this one up for your little monkeys let me know how it goes!  I love photos of kiddo's covered in dinner!