Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Autumn Harvest Chicken Shepherds Pie Fall Cozy Dinners

By Emma PrescottSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ever get that craving for something truly comforting? Like, a hug in a bowl kind of meal? Honestly, this Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie is exactly that.

It's one of my favourite comfort food recipes fall . This recipe uses all the autumn harvest dinner ingredients.

A Shepherd's Pie with a Twist

Traditional Shepherd's Pie meets autumn! This dish hails from humble beginnings. It's a simple, hearty meal elevated by seasonal flavours.

This version uses chicken, apples, and a sweet potato mash. It adds sweetness to the savoury filling. I would describe it as medium in difficulty.

It needs 1 hour and 45 minutes to make, and serves 6 people.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Forget boring dinners. This autumn harvest dinner is packed with goodness! Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins. This Shepherd's Pie is perfect for a family gathering or a casual weeknight meal.

It’s also great for using Thanksgiving leftover recipes ! It’s what makes this recipe so special: unexpected flavours that work so well together.

Plus, it’s one of those easy fall weeknight dinners that everyone will rave about. It is also one of the best fall cozy dinners that you can make.

What You'll Need

Ready to dive in? First, gather your ingredients. You'll need chicken, apples, sweet potatoes, and some pantry staples. Things like olive oil, herbs, and broth.

The full list is below, so you can get prepped! You will fall in love with this warm apple chicken bake.

Ingredients & Equipment for Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie ! This isn't just any shepherd's pie.

We're levelling up your comfort food recipes fall game. It’s the perfect way to use Thanksgiving leftover recipes if you swap the chicken for turkey.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Pie

Chicken Filling :
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Go for the good stuff - free range if you can! It genuinely makes a difference.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced.
- 2 celery stalks, diced.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- ½ teaspoon dried sage.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- ½ cup (120ml) dry apple cider (or chicken broth). The apple cider brings that fall flavour.
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour.
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Braeburn), peeled, cored, chopped.
- 1 cup (120g) frozen peas.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste!
Sweet Potato Topping :
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are firm with smooth skin.
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter.
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream. Cream makes it extra lush.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Pinch of ground nutmeg.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

That’s it!

Seasoning Notes: Autumn in Every Bite

Think warm spices! The thyme, rosemary, sage, and nutmeg combo is killer. If you want a bit of a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Not too much! You still want this to be the ideal autumn harvest dinner . If you are looking for fall dinner party ideas consider adding smoked paprika for a bit more dept in the flavour of your dish.

Honestly, this is the secret sauce for our Chicken and apple shepherd's pie . Don't skip these! A pinch of ground cloves wouldn't go amiss either.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Large Dutch oven or oven safe pot. If you don't have one, use a large pan and transfer to a baking dish later.
Large saucepan for sweet potatoes.
Potato masher or electric mixer. Mixer makes the sweet potato topping extra fluffy.
9x13 inch baking dish.

That is all you need for a Easy fall weeknight dinners .

Alright, now you know what you're gonna need for these hearty autumn meals . Time to get chopping!

Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie: A Hug in a Bowl

Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a good old Shepherd's Pie? But let's face it, sometimes the classics need a little oomph .

That's why I'm so excited to share this Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie recipe! It takes the classic and gives it a seasonal twist that's perfect for fall cozy dinners .

Think Thanksgiving leftover recipes meets hearty comfort food recipes fall . Oh my gosh, you have to try it.

It's like Chicken and apple shepherd's pie , but with even more fall feels! The sweet potato topping adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color.

This dish is not only delicious but also makes for stunning fall dinner party ideas . Forget boring weeknight meals this will become one of your go-to easy fall weeknight dinners .

Get ready for hearty autumn meals , folks!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Magic

Essential mise en place is critical. Chop your veggies, dice your chicken, and peel those sweet potatoes. Having everything ready before you start cooking will save you a ton of time and stress.

I promise.

Time saving organization tips : I like to prep my vegetables and chicken ahead of time, especially when I am running late.

Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This means less chopping during the busy week. Total game changer!

Safety reminders : Be careful when using a sharp knife. Keep your fingers tucked away. Keep an eye on your little kids.

Cooking should be fun, but safety is the most important thing.

step-by-step Process: From Kitchen Chaos to Culinary Bliss

Whip Up the Sweet Potato Topping: Boil 3 lbs of sweet potatoes until tender. Mash with 4 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup milk, spices, and salt to taste. Set aside this dreamy sweet potato topping .
Sauté those Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and herbs. Cook until fragrant.
Brown the Chicken: Add 2 lbs chicken and brown on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pan ! Brown in batches for maximum flavour.
Craft the Gravy: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute . Whisk in ½ cup apple cider (or broth) and 1 cup chicken broth. Scrape up all the browned bits.
Simmer to Perfection: Simmer for 20 minutes , until chicken is cooked and gravy is slightly thick.
Apple and Pea Party: Stir in chopped apples and frozen peas. Cook for 5 minutes , until everything is heated through.
Assemble Time: Transfer filling to a baking dish. Spread sweet potato topping evenly.
Bake: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips: From Good to Gourmet

Browning is Key : Seriously, don't skip browning the chicken. It adds so much depth of flavor.
Sweet Potato Mash Perfection : An electric mixer makes your topping extra creamy.
Apple Variety Matters : Choose an apple that holds its shape. Honeycrisp or Braeburn are great choices for a warm apple chicken bake .

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. It's the perfect autumn harvest dinner , and I know you'll love it! It also features recipes that makes good use of any cozy casserole recipes .

Give it a go and tell me what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie

Right, so you're about to make this Chicken and apple shepherd's pie . Awesome! Honestly, it's one of my favourite comfort food recipes fall .

Here are a few tips and tricks I've picked up along the way. I've made it so many times, it feels like second nature now.

Serving it Up: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters, right? For a rustic touch, serve straight from the baking dish. A dollop of sour cream on top can add a cool contrast.

For something a bit fancier, portion it into individual ramekins. Trust me, it looks amazing. Pair this with something simple like steamed green beans.

The bright green is so amazing. A glass of dry red wine? Yes, please! This is great Fall dinner party ideas.

Storage Sorted: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Pop the Chicken and apple shepherd's pie in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.

Wanna freeze it? No worries. Let it cool completely, then wrap it well or portion it into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to three months.

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Honestly, sometimes I prefer it the next day!

Mix it Up: Variations Galore

Feeling adventurous? Sub the chicken with lentils. That instantly becomes a vegetarian dream. Wanna spice things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a surprising kick.

The sweet potato topping can be swapped with mashed parsnips. It brings a different kind of sweetness. You can even use Thanksgiving leftover recipes , why not use your leftover turkey?

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, let's be real. It's Hearty autumn meals , not a salad. But it's packed with protein from the chicken, fibre from the sweet potatoes, and vitamins from the veggies.

Each serving gives about 450 to 550 calories. This is perfect if you are looking for easy fall weeknight dinners .

You can have a warm apple chicken bake , and it's delicious!

So there you have it. All the notes and tips you need to nail this Autumn harvest dinner . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Most importantly, have fun with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie ahead of time, or is it best served fresh?

Good news, mate! This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the filling and sweet potato topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble everything just before baking. It's a proper lifesaver for busy weeknights or if you're having the whole gang over!

I'm not a huge fan of sweet potatoes. What can I substitute for the topping in this Shepherd's Pie, and still keep it a fall cozy dinners option?

No worries, we can sort you out! If sweet potatoes aren't your cup of tea, try mashed regular potatoes, parsnips, or even a mix of the two. For a bit of extra flavour, you could also add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the mash for extra richness and a bit of tang delicious!

How long will leftovers of this fall cozy dinners recipe last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat them?

Leftovers of this Shepherd's Pie will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions (covered) until heated through, or re-bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

A dash of extra gravy before reheating will keep it nice and moist!

My gravy always ends up lumpy! What's the secret to a smooth gravy in this Autumn Harvest Chicken and Apple Shepherd's Pie?

Ah, the bane of every home cook's existence! The key is to whisk the flour into the sautéed vegetables and cook it for a minute or two before adding the liquid. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps prevent lumps. Also, make sure the broth is added gradually while whisking constantly.

If lumps do form, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth things out. A splash of cream at the end can smooth it too!

Can I freeze this Shepherd's Pie, and if so, what's the best way to do it?

Absolutely! To freeze, let the Shepherd's Pie cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, you might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through!

I'm watching my calorie intake; are there any easy ways to lighten up this "fall cozy dinners" recipe without sacrificing flavor?

Certainly! You could use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce the fat content. Also, you could reduce the amount of butter in the sweet potato topping and use skimmed milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of cream.

Bulking the recipe up with extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach will add volume and nutrients without many calories! These small tweaks can make a big difference.