Neon Casserole

A Vibrant Twist on Shepherd’s Pie with Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Green Peas

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Category: Chicken
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Oven, Under 4 hours

This stunning casserole offers a brilliant contrast of flavors and colors that’s sure to stand out on any dinner table. While it has a resemblance to the classic shepherd’s pie, this “Neon Casserole” takes it up a notch with the bold colors of sweet potatoes and green peas. Not only does this dish look striking with its bright orange and green hues, but it also delivers a hearty, savory, and sweet flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes blends perfectly with the savory chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy topping, making for a delicious, unique meal.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well, then mash the sweet potatoes with butter, buttermilk, and honey until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside for later.

2. Cook the Chicken Mixture
   While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and chopped onion to the pan and sauté until the chicken is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. The onion should be soft and translucent.

3. Prepare the Peas
   Place the frozen peas in a sieve or colander and run under warm water for a few seconds to thaw slightly. Drain the peas well, then set aside.

4. Combine Chicken and Peas
   Once the chicken and onion are cooked, transfer the mixture into a 3L (13×9 inch) casserole dish. Place the drained peas on top of the chicken mixture, distributing them evenly across the surface.

5. Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
   Return the skillet to the stove and add the vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to brown. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. Drain any excess juices from the mushrooms and garlic, then add the mixture to the casserole dish with the chicken and peas.

6. Add the Soup
   Pour the cream of chicken soup (unreconstituted, directly from the can) over the chicken, mushroom, and pea mixture. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the soup is evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture will appear a bit dry, but that’s okay—it will become more cohesive as it cooks.

7. Assemble the Casserole
   Smooth the chicken mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Carefully spread the mashed sweet potatoes on top of the chicken mixture, ensuring the top is smooth and even.

8. Bake the Casserole
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is slightly golden. The edges of the casserole should be slightly crisped, and the flavors will have melded beautifully.

9. Serve
   Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.

This Neon Casserole is an excellent way to bring a unique twist to your weekly dinner rotation. The bright colors of the sweet potatoes and peas make this dish as fun to look at as it is to eat, and it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or as a special dish for family gatherings, this casserole will leave everyone asking for the recipe.