My uncle grew up raising chickens and pheasants, and he told me to go for Orpingtons and Australorps, Cochins, Leghorns, and Plymouths because they are all pretty calm, and breeds that are not strong fliers are easier to manage generally. His advise was to go for crosses or backyard mutts from mixed flocks with these breeds because their temperament is more reliable than backyard claims of purebred, which often means inbred.
I ended up finding Blue Australorp - Buff Orpington crosses, got them at about 16 weeks and they are about 21 now, and they were pretty wild at first but I spent time talking to them when I'm taking care of them and I had to corner them at dusk for the first few weeks to check them over but now 4/6 line up at night for pets, and I can stroke their backs during the day as long as I have treats. Last night I got my first purr.
Everything I have read about those breeds is spot on for my birds.