We’ve always been drawn to the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine, and the North Carolina Chicken Pastry stands out as a true gem. Originating from the heart of the Tar Heel State this dish combines tender chicken with homemade pastry strips in a savory broth making it a beloved staple for family meals.
What we love most is how simple yet satisfying it is blending tradition with everyday ingredients. Join us as we explore this easy recipe that’s perfect for cozy dinners and will have you craving seconds in no time.
Ingredients
To craft our hearty North Carolina Chicken Pastry—a comforting blend of tender chicken and flaky pastry strips simmered in savory broth—we start by assembling these essential ingredients. We’ve organized them below in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for clarity.
For the Chicken and Broth
- Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes for juicy, tender pieces that absorb the flavors.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring a rich base that enhances the dish’s comforting warmth.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, to add a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Celery: 2 stalks celery, sliced thinly, for a fresh crunch that complements the savory notes.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds, providing a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
For the Pastry
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted, as the foundation for our homemade pastry strips that offer a delightful, flaky texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to season the dough and bring out the flavors in every bite.
- Shortening or butter: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed, for creating light, airy pastry that contrasts perfectly with the broth.
- Water: 3/4 cup cold water, added gradually to form a workable dough that rolls out smoothly.
These ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver the authentic taste of North Carolina Chicken Pastry, making it a staple for our family gatherings. Next, we’ll move to the preparation steps for a seamless cooking experience.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our North Carolina Chicken Pastry seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that make the process efficient and enjoyable. These items help us handle the chicken simmering, pastry rolling, and assembly with precision, ensuring a comforting dish that captures the heart of Southern cooking.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools
We organize our tools by their primary use in the recipe, building directly on the ingredients we’ve gathered. This setup allows for a smooth transition from prep to cooking.
- Large Dutch Oven or Stock Pot: Ideal for simmering the chicken and broth, as it provides even heat distribution and ample space to combine boneless chicken thighs, onions, celery, and carrots without overflow.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for precisely dicing onions and slicing celery and carrots, helping us achieve uniform pieces that enhance the savory broth’s texture and flavor.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: We use these for accurate measurements of ingredients like flour, salt, and butter, ensuring the pastry dough comes together perfectly without inconsistencies.
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): Great for combining dry ingredients for the pastry and mixing in cold water and butter, allowing us to keep our workspace organized during prep.
- Rolling Pin: Key for rolling out the all-purpose flour dough into thin strips, which is crucial for that authentic, tender pastry texture in our North Carolina Chicken Pastry.
- Wooden Spoon or Slotted Spoon: Perfect for stirring the broth and removing chicken once tender, as its heat-resistant handle prevents burns while we monitor the cooking process.
- Ladle: We find this indispensable for serving the finished dish, as it easily scoops up the chicken and pastry strips from the pot without making a mess.
In our experience, having these tools ready not only streamlines the recipe but also elevates the overall cooking adventure, making it easier to recreate this beloved Southern staple time and again.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our flavorful North Carolina Chicken Pastry. We’ll ensure each phase is straightforward and yields tender chicken enveloped in savory broth with homemade pastry strips.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to streamline the process. Start by placing 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs on a clean cutting board and use a sharp chef’s knife to trim any excess fat, then cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Next, dice 1 medium onion, slice 2 stalks of celery, and chop 2 medium carrots into 1/2-inch pieces to add a vibrant crunch and depth of flavor to our broth.
- Gather vegetables: Measure out 1 cup of diced onion, 1 cup of sliced celery, and 1 cup of chopped carrots for precise portioning.
- Prepare broth base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the savory notes.
This prep work sets the foundation for a seamless cooking experience, allowing the natural aromas of the vegetables and chicken to shine.
Make the Pastry
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now craft the homemade pastry strips that give our North Carolina Chicken Pastry its signature comforting texture. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to create a light, flaky base.
- Mix the dough: Cut in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then gradually add 1/2 cup of cold water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Roll and cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out to 1/8-inch thickness. Slice into 1-inch wide strips for easy integration into the broth, ensuring they cook up tender and absorbent.
These pastry strips will soak up the rich flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-soothing component.
Cook
Now it’s time to cook the chicken and build the flavorful broth that forms the heart of our North Carolina Chicken Pastry. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil, then sear the prepared chicken pieces for 5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in juices for tender, succulent results.
- Simmer the broth: Add the diced onion, sliced celery, chopped carrots, and chicken broth mixture to the pot, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of savory herbs and vegetables.
- Season to taste: Taste the broth and adjust with additional salt or pepper as needed, ensuring a balanced, comforting flavor profile.
This step infuses the dish with deep, layered tastes that make it a beloved Southern staple.
Assemble
Finally, we’ll assemble everything to create the iconic combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and pastry in a cohesive dish. Gently drop the prepared pastry strips into the simmering broth, stirring carefully to avoid breaking them, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the strips are soft yet slightly chewy, absorbing the savory essence.
- Combine and finish: Add the seared chicken back into the pot if not already there, and let the mixture simmer together for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors, resulting in a hearty, satisfying meal that highlights the authentic taste of North Carolina cuisine.
- Serve immediately: Use a slotted spoon to portion out servings, ensuring each bowl captures the full sensory experience of warm, flavorful broth with every bite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing North Carolina Chicken Pastry ahead of time ensures a hearty, comforting meal is ready when you need it. Follow these steps to streamline your cooking while preserving the dish’s tender chicken, flaky pastry, and savory broth flavors.
Preparing Components in Advance
To maintain the authentic taste of this Southern staple, we recommend making key elements ahead:
- Chicken and Broth: First, cook the chicken thighs in the broth with onions, celery, and carrots as outlined in our earlier steps. Once cooled, shred the chicken and store it separately from the broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken moist and the broth flavorful for up to 3 days.
- Pastry Strips: Prepare the homemade pastry by mixing flour, salt, butter, and cold water to form the dough. Roll it out and cut into strips, then let them air-dry on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to prevent sogginess. Store the strips in a sealed bag in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before use to ensure they remain light and flaky.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is crucial for the best results with North Carolina Chicken Pastry. Here’s how we handle it:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Gently reheat in broth on low heat to avoid drying out. |
| Broth with Vegetables | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Simmer on medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. |
| Pastry Strips | Sealed bag in refrigerator or freezer | Up to 2 days (fridge) or 1 month (freezer) | If frozen, thaw overnight in fridge; add directly to hot broth for optimal texture. |
When you’re ready to assemble, we suggest combining the stored components in your Dutch oven, simmering until everything melds together, and serving for that fresh, homemade taste that defines this cherished dish. Always check for freshness before reheating to enjoy the full sensory experience of its rich, comforting aromas and flavors.
Conclusion
We’ve loved guiding you through this North Carolina Chicken Pastry recipe. It’s more than a meal; it’s a taste of Southern tradition that brings folks together.
Try tweaking it with your family’s twists to make it your own. We’re confident you’ll find it a go-to for cozy nights and hearty gatherings. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Carolina Chicken Pastry?
North Carolina Chicken Pastry is a comforting Southern dish from the Tar Heel State, featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory broth with homemade pastry strips. It’s a simple, hearty meal perfect for family dinners, offering a warm, satisfying taste that highlights the region’s culinary traditions.
What are the key ingredients for North Carolina Chicken Pastry?
The main ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken thighs, low-sodium chicken broth, diced onion, sliced celery, carrots for the broth, and for the pastry: all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and cold water. These fresh components create an authentic, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare at home.
What tools are needed to make North Carolina Chicken Pastry?
You’ll need a large Dutch oven or stock pot for simmering, a cutting board and sharp chef’s knife for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, mixing bowls for prep, a rolling pin for the pastry, and a wooden spoon for stirring. These basics help streamline the cooking process.
How do I prepare North Carolina Chicken Pastry?
Start by prepping and searing the chicken, then simmer it with vegetables in broth. Make the pastry strips by mixing flour, salt, butter, and water, then roll and cut them. Add the strips to the simmering broth and cook until tender. Season to taste for a cozy, homemade meal ready in under an hour.
Can I make North Carolina Chicken Pastry ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken, broth, and pastry strips in advance for busy schedules. Store cooked components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer. Reheat gently on the stove, adding pastry strips last to keep textures fresh and flavors intact.