Southern Chicken & Pastry Recipe

A delicious Southern Chicken and Pastry recipe is a comfort food that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. This classic dish combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a flaky pastry crust for a truly delightful dining experience. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.

Chicken and Pastry

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package store-bought pastry dough

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the bone-in chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously.
6. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and comes to a simmer.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with the pastry dough. Trim any excess dough and press the edges to seal.
9. Make a few small slits in the dough to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

How to Prepare:

Preparing this Southern Chicken and Pastry dish is easier than you might think. Begin by gathering all the required ingredients. The chicken pieces can be bone-in for added flavor. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small dice, and mince the garlic cloves. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Then, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until they are browned on all sides.

Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.

Allow the mixture to cook over medium heat until it thickens and comes to a simmer. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Transfer the thickened mixture to a baking dish and cover it with the pastry dough. You can use a store-bought pastry dough for convenience or prepare your own from scratch if you prefer. Trim any excess dough and press the edges to seal.

Make a few small slits in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and helps it to turn golden brown and crispy.

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this Southern Chicken and Pastry recipe is approximately 30 minutes. However, please note that cooking time may vary depending on individual ovens.

Servings:

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends.

Nutrition Facts:

Although this Southern Chicken and Pastry dish is incredibly tasty, it is also important to consider the nutritional information. One serving (approximately 1/6th of the recipe) provides:

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 25g

Tips:

Here are a few tips to ensure your Southern Chicken and Pastry turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more herbs and spices if desired.
• For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
• If you want a crispier crust, brush the pastry dough with an egg wash before baking it.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to accommodate different serving sizes.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken if you prefer. However, using bone-in chicken adds flavor to the dish.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of regular pastry dough?

A: Yes, puff pastry can be used as a delicious alternative if you prefer a flakier crust.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Southern Chicken and Pastry dish. Its rich and savory taste coupled with a flaky pastry crust will surely become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s evening or for a special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.