A Classic Comfort Food: Enjoy Chicken & Pastry with This Easy Recipe!

Photo byAngie Bright

Chicken & Pastry is a timeless dish that brings warmth, comfort, and flavor to any table. For generations, families have gathered around to enjoy this savory, hearty meal that combines tender chicken and soft pastry strips in a thick, flavorful broth. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or just need a cozy meal for a chilly evening, this recipe will make you feel right at home.

This dish is perfect for those days when you need something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Chicken & Pastry is simple to prepare but delivers an incredible depth of flavor. The pastry is easy to make from scratch, and the chicken simmers slowly, creating a rich broth that ties everything together. It’s a meal that brings people together, and with this step-by-step guide, you can recreate that tradition in your own kitchen.

Recipe: Chicken & Pastry

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ cup water (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

For the Chicken:

• 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the chicken)
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water and melted butter. Slowly stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture using a rubber spatula, just until it’s incorporated. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead for about a minute. Once smooth, return the dough to the large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large Dutch oven and cover them with chicken broth. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Roll Out the Pastry: While the chicken is simmering, roll out the prepared dough on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. Slice the dough into strips that are about ½-inch wide and 3 inches long using a sharp knife, pastry cutter, or pizza cutter.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Return the broth to a boil, and then add the pastry strips. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pastry simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender. Meanwhile, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
5. Combine and Cook: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the cooked pastry. Allow the dish to cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the broth thickens to your desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. For a little extra flavor and color, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Optional Additions: For a heartier meal, you can add diced celery, carrots, and green peas to the broth when adding the pastry strips. These veggies will add a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish.

Conclusion:

Chicken & Pastry is a versatile, comforting meal that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you’re keeping it simple or adding your favorite vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy. With tender chicken and a rich broth combined with soft pastry strips, every bite feels like a bit of comfort on a plate. Serve it on its own or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal that your family will love.

The recipe for Chicken & Pastry is a classic Southern comfort dish that many families treasure. The heart of the dish lies in its tender shredded chicken, chewy pastry strips, and a rich broth that ties it all together. This meal is often compared to chicken and dumplings but features thinner, pasta-like pastry instead of the doughy dumplings seen in similar recipes.

The key steps in making this dish are preparing the homemade pastry and simmering the chicken in a flavorful broth. The pastry dough, made from scratch using flour, baking powder, butter, and water, is rolled out into thin strips and added to the boiling broth. The chicken, usually thighs for a richer flavor, is simmered until tender, then shredded and returned to the pot with the pastry strips to thicken and enrich the broth. Some versions, like those found at Taste of Southern and Splendid Table, suggest adding vegetables like onions and celery for extra flavor​Taste Of Southern​The Splendid Table with Francis Lam.

This dish can be customized with additional ingredients, such as carrots, peas, or other vegetables, for added heartiness. Ultimately, Chicken & Pastry is a versatile, satisfying dish that makes a perfect meal for colder days or family gatherings​Foodie Chicks Rule​Taste Of Southern.

For more variations and detailed cooking techniques, you can check out The Seasoned Mom or Taste of Southern for inspiration.