Miss Mary'S Famous Chicken With Pastry
Miss Mary's Famous Chicken With Pastry features tender chicken in a savory sauce topped with flaky pastry, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken in 3 cups of water with onion, celery, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until tender over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from broth and debone. Cut into large chunks and place in the bottom of a greased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Remove celery and onion from broth.
- Blend 4 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup water and gradually whisk into the simmering broth.
- Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour enough sauce over chicken to just cover.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cut shortening into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until it resembles cornmeal.
- Sprinkle with water and mix until it holds together and forms a ball.
- Roll out on a floured board to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut into strips and place over the chicken.
- Bake until pastry has browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken broth. You can substitute the chicken with turkey if preferred. If you don't have shortening, butter can be used in the pastry for a slightly different taste. To ensure the pastry is flaky, handle the dough as little as possible and keep it chilled until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Miss Mary's Famous Chicken With Pastry with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Farmers-Style Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner. A light white wine can also complement the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and pastry in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the pastry's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miss Mary'S Famous Chicken With Pastry contains roughly 647 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1941mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps in achieving tender meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen chicken may take longer to become tender.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour for the pastry?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture. Alternatively, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, although the texture will be denser.
How do I know when the pastry is done baking?
The pastry is done when it turns a golden brown color and feels firm to the touch. If you're unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the pastry; it should come out clean without any dough clinging to it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).