Southern Comfort: Fried Chicken, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, and Savory Collard Greens

Ingredients:

Fried Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Oil for frying

Mashed Potatoes:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Collard Greens:

  • 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Apple cider vinegar (optional)

Directions:

Fried Chicken:

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  5. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add butter and milk.
  3. Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Collard Greens:

  1. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
  2. Add onion and garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in collard greens and cook until wilted.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until greens are tender.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired. Stir in reserved bacon before serving.
  6. Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  7. Kcal: 650 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

FAQs:

  • What ingredients are needed for Southern Fried Chicken?
    • Key ingredients typically include chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts), buttermilk, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and vegetable oil for frying.
  • How do I make crispy Southern Fried Chicken?
    • Start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to tenderize and add flavor. In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge the buttermilk-soaked chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
  • What ingredients are needed for Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
    • Key ingredients typically include russet potatoes, butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients may include garlic powder, sour cream, or cream cheese for added richness.
  • How do I make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
    • Peel and quarter the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk or cream as needed. For garlic mashed potatoes, add garlic powder or roasted garlic cloves during mashing.
  • What ingredients are needed for Savory Collard Greens?
    • Key ingredients typically include collard greens (stems removed and leaves chopped), bacon or ham hock, onion, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • How do I make Savory Collard Greens?
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon or ham hock until crispy. Remove excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened. Add collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, add apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer covered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until collard greens are tender and flavorful.

Leave a Comment