The Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe is the ultimate definition of southern comfort food. Learning how to make Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry creates a rich and creamy meal that feels like home in every spoonful.
You only need fresh ingredients and these specific Ingredients for Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe to get started. This classic dish features tender, slow-cooked chicken and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry strips.
It is a hearty, soul-warming favorite that your entire family will absolutely love tonight.
My Story With This Comforting Chicken and Pastry
I grew up eating this dish whenever the weather turned chilly or I needed a little extra comfort. My mother always made it look so easy, rolling out the dough until it was paper-thin. The kitchen would smell like slow-simmered chicken, fresh herbs, and butter for the entire afternoon.
Baking this for my own family now feels like passing down a precious, delicious piece of our history. It is not just about the food, but about the slow, loving process of creating something truly special.
Sharing this bowl of warmth brings us all together and reminding us of the simple joys found at our kitchen table. If you are drawn to that same spirit of slow, from-scratch Southern cooking, you might also love this deeply flavored one-pot chicken and rice dish that comes together with the same kind of unhurried, soul-satisfying care.
Equipment List
- Large stockpot
- Rolling pin
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe
- 1 whole chicken, about 3–4 lbs
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cold shortening
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instruction for Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe
1. Boil the Chicken
Place your chicken in a large stockpot with celery, onion, salt and enough water to cover it completely. Simmer gently for one hour until the meat is tender and falls off the bone today.
2. Shred the Meat
Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Keep your flavorful chicken broth simmering on the stove, as this is the base for your pastry today.
3. Prepare the Pastry
Mix flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in the shortening until it looks like small crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring just until the dough comes together into a soft, manageable ball tonight.
4. Roll and Cut
Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is very thin, almost like parchment paper. Cut the dough into thin strips, which will become your soft, buttery, and delicious pastry noodles tonight.
5. Cook the Pastry
Bring your broth to a steady boil and drop in the pastry strips one by one tonight. Cook for ten minutes until they are tender, then stir in your shredded chicken to finish today.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
Always use a whole chicken with the bones to get the most flavorful, rich, and authentic broth possible.
If you are in a rush, you can use store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough cut into strips instead of homemade pastry.
Add a dash of poultry seasoning or fresh parsley to the broth for an extra layer of herbal flavor today.
Use a mix of dark and white meat to ensure the best balance of moisture, flavor, and texture for everyone.
If the broth gets too thick, add a little extra water or chicken stock to keep it perfectly creamy tonight.
Make sure your dough is rolled very thin, as it will puff up and thicken the broth as it cooks. If you enjoy working with homemade pastry dough like this, you will definitely want to try this beautiful chicken and leek pie with a golden, flaky crust — it uses a similar from-scratch approach to create another incredibly comforting dinner.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Chicken and pastry, often called chicken and dumplings, is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Southern American history. It originated as a way to use a whole chicken, ensuring that nothing went to waste in rural kitchens.
The thin, rolled-out pastry strips are a classic hallmark of this version, reflecting the skill of home cooks who prided themselves on their handmade dough.
It remains a beloved symbol of hospitality, warmth and the simple, hardworking spirit of country life that Paula Deen celebrates so beautifully today.
What to Serve With This Dish
This dish is very hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of buttery, sautéed green beans. A simple and crispy garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken broth.
Many people also love serving it with a side of warm and crusty cornbread to soak up any extra sauce left behind. For something even more satisfying alongside, this richly topped, loaded potato salad is a wonderful Southern-style side that complements the creamy broth beautifully.
It is the perfect, filling and complete meal for a relaxed family dinner on a quiet, slow evening at home.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This meal is the absolute perfect choice for a cozy Sunday dinner when you have time to cook slowly. It is also an excellent dish to bring to a potluck or a family reunion where you want to impress.
Because it is so comforting, it makes a wonderful gift for friends who might need a warm, homemade meal during a difficult week. It turns any ordinary gathering into a special, memorable and very heartfelt occasion that everyone will surely enjoy and appreciate today.
If you are putting together a full Southern spread for a group, pairing this with a warm, spiced chicken tortilla soup as a starter will make the whole table feel like a proper feast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for best quality.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the thick, creamy broth.
Do not freeze this dish with the pastry inside, as the dough will become mushy and lose its texture.
You can freeze the chicken and broth base, then make fresh pastry strips when you are ready to eat.
Always bring the leftovers to a gentle simmer to ensure they are heated through and perfectly delicious tonight.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 28g |
Is This Dish Good for You?
Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry is a wholesome, nourishing, and protein-packed meal that provides essential nutrients for your body today. While the pastry adds carbohydrates, it is a wonderful source of energy, especially after a long and active day.
It is a classic comfort food that, when enjoyed in reasonable portions, contributes to a balanced and satisfying diet for your family. Focus on the high-quality protein and fresh vegetables that make this dish a truly valuable part of your home cooking repertoire tonight.
Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 3–4 lbs
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cold shortening
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Boil the Chicken
- Place your chicken in a large stockpot with celery, onion, salt and enough water to cover it completely. Simmer gently for one hour until the meat is tender and falls off the bone today.
Shred the Meat
- Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Keep your flavorful chicken broth simmering on the stove, as this is the base for your pastry today.
Prepare the Pastry
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in the shortening until it looks like small crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring just until the dough comes together into a soft, manageable ball tonight.
Roll and Cut
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is very thin, almost like parchment paper. Cut the dough into thin strips, which will become your soft, buttery, and delicious pastry noodles tonight.
Cook the Pastry
- Bring your broth to a steady boil and drop in the pastry strips one by one tonight. Cook for ten minutes until they are tender, then stir in your shredded chicken to finish today.
Notes
FAQs about Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use a rotisserie chicken to save time, but you will need to add extra chicken stock for flavor. It is a convenient swap that still provides a delicious, warm, and very satisfying meal tonight.
How thin should the dough be?
Roll your dough as thin as you possibly can, almost until you can see your countertop through the pastry strips. This ensures they become soft and silky in the broth rather than heavy or doughy today.
Why is my broth thin?
The pastry strips are designed to thicken the broth as they cook, so let them simmer for at least ten minutes. If it is still too thin, you can mash a few pieces of pastry to release extra starch.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the pastry dough for your meal today. Just be sure to handle the dough gently as gluten-free versions are often a bit more fragile.
How do I prevent sticking?
Keep your rolling surface and your dough strips well-floured at all times to prevent them from sticking together. This makes them much easier to handle and ensures they cook evenly in the bubbling broth tonight.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making the Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe for your family very soon. It is a classic, deeply satisfying, and beautiful dish that really celebrates the heart of home-style cooking.
There is nothing quite like that first warm bite to make everyone feel cared for, cozy and completely satisfied after a long day. This recipe is a timeless treasure that you will want to return to again and again for years.
If you love this kind of slow, hearty cooking our full collection of wholesome and family-style main courses is full of ideas to keep your dinner table feeling just as warm and special every night of the week.
Thank you for letting me share this simple, warm and very delicious journey right here at home with you today. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every single buttery, creamy and absolutely perfect bite of your beautiful homemade meal!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!