Southern chicken dishes can remind you of being hugged by your grandma. These 24 recipes hit that feeling right on the head. From homemade Southern fried chicken to casseroles, all the way to Southern chicken stew, these are the dishes that my family wants all the time and will never get tired of. Put on your apron, and let’s make some chicken dinners that will really warm your soul!

ONE LIST

Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

No recipe hunting, no messy shopping notes, no complicated chef projects. Just family dinners that fit real weeks.

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1) Jambalaya

Recipe and video by Brittney R.

“This is a super simple jambalaya to make at home, and it starts with a rotisserie chicken that you’re going to shred and then set aside.”

Get the full recipe →

2) Southern Fried Chicken

Golden and crispy and impossibly juicy. This is the chicken that gets everyone to gather in the kitchen.

Southern Fried Chicken

Chicken is soaked in buttermilk, then breaded in a special flour and fried to a perfect, golden-brown, and super crispy crust.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 pieces chicken bone-in
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Method

 

1. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
2. Whisk the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow dish.
3. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
4. Heat the oil to 350F and fry in batches 12 to 15 minutes, turning once.
5. Drain on a wire rack and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Fry to an internal temp of 165F so the meat is cooked but still juicy.

3) Chicken and Dumplings

There are no notes to provide for the comfort that arises from the pillowy dumplings that float in the broth!

Chicken and Dumplings

Shredded chicken in a rich cream broth topped with light drop dumplings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter melted
• 1 cup heavy cream

Method

 

1. Bring the broth to a simmer and stir in the shredded chicken.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter into a thick dumpling batter.
3. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the simmering broth.
4. Cover and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid until the dumplings are puffed.
5. Stir in the cream, season, and serve hot.

Notes

Resist peeking while the dumplings steam so they stay light and fluffy.

4) Nashville Hot Chicken

Peppery, crackly and sweet-spicy, this is the chicken that built the city's fame.

5) Chicken Fried Steak

The ultimate Southern Sunday supper is crispy breaded steak that is covered with peppery gravy.

Chicken Fried Steak

Tenderized cube steak coated in batter and fried to crispy perfection, then smothered in a creamy black pepper gravy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cube steaks
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Dredge each steak in flour, dip in beaten egg, then back into the flour.
2. Fry in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp; set aside.
3. Whisk 3 tbsp of the flour into the pan drippings and cook 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the gravy over the steaks and serve.

Notes

Keep the gravy a little loose since it thickens as it sits.

6) Chicken Gumbo

Having a classic gumbo experience, this gumbo has a deep flavor, has a rich dark roux, and has a delectable taste that feels like it has been simmered for hours.

Chicken Gumbo

A rich and hearty Louisiana gumbo served with chicken and sausage and the holy trinity over rice.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken thighs cubed
• 8 oz smoked sausage sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 onion diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

Method

 

1. Whisk the flour and oil in a heavy pot over medium heat to make a dark brown roux, about 20 minutes.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened.
3. Slowly stir in the broth and Cajun seasoning until smooth.
4. Add the chicken and sausage and simmer 30 minutes.
5. Serve over hot white rice.

Notes

Stir the roux constantly so it deepens without scorching.

7) Chicken and Waffles

Fried chicken and waffles with maple syrup is the best brunch option around.

Chicken and Waffles

Golden buttermilk waffles with Southern fried chicken and syrup.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts small
• 1 cup buttermilk for soaking the chicken
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken
• 2 cups all-purpose flour for the waffles
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 4 cups neutral oil or enough for a 1-inch depth, for frying
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil for the waffle batter

Method

 

1. Coat the chicken with the buttermilk, then dredge it in the 1 cup flour. Heat 1 inch of frying oil to about 350°F in a deep, heavy skillet. Fry the chicken in batches, turning as needed, until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
2. Whisk the 2 cups waffle flour, milk, eggs, baking powder and 3 tablespoons waffle oil just until combined. Do not use the chicken-soaking buttermilk in the batter.
3. Preheat the waffle iron and grease it if its manufacturer recommends it. Cook the batter in portions according to the iron directions, until the waffles are golden and release easily.
4. Set a piece of fried chicken on each waffle.
5. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve hot.

Notes

A pinch of cayenne in the chicken plays perfectly against the sweet syrup.

8) Chicken Pot Pie

When I eat Flaky crust over creamy chicken filling, I know everything is going to be okay!

9) Chicken and Sausage Étouffée

With a buttery roux-based sauce, this Cajun classic is simply spoonable comfort.

Chicken and Sausage Étouffée

Chicken and sausage cooked in a rich and buttery étouffée sauce and served with rice.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken thighs cubed
• 8 oz andouille sausage sliced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion diced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

Method

 

1. Melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking to a peanut-butter-colored roux.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened.
3. Slowly stir in the broth and Cajun seasoning until smooth and thickened.
4. Add the chicken and sausage and simmer 25 minutes until tender.
5. Serve over hot white rice.

Notes

A handful of chopped green onions stirred in at the end brightens it up.

10) Hoppin' John with Chicken

Chicken served with rice and black-eyed peas is an all-year favorite as well as a lucky dish for the New Year.

Hoppin' John with Chicken

A delicious one-pot dish of black-eyed peas, rice, chicken, and simmered smoky seasonings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 2 cans black-eyed peas drained
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 slices bacon chopped
• 1 onion diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Method

 

1. Cook the bacon in a pot until crisp, then add the onion and saute until soft.
2. Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the black-eyed peas and chicken and cook another 10 minutes.
5. Season to taste and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with a side of collard greens for the full lucky meal.

11) Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken

Enjoy all the crispiness of fried chicken and no oil splatters to clean up afterward.

Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken

Buttermilk-marinated chicken, seasoned, crumb-coated, and baked to a golden crisp!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 pieces chicken bone-in
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp butter melted

Method

 

1. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat oven to 400F. Mix the panko, flour, paprika, and garlic powder, then stir in the melted butter.
3. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned crumb mixture.
4. Arrange on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
5. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden and cooked through to 165F.

Notes

Baking on a wire rack keeps the bottom just as crispy as the top.

12) Sweet Tea-Brined Grilled Chicken

A sweet tea brine adds a subtle Southern twist to the grilled chicken and keeps it juicy.

Sweet Tea-Brined Grilled Chicken

Tender chicken brined in sweet tea and grilled to smoky, caramelized perfection.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 pieces chicken bone-in
• 4 cups brewed black tea strong
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup salt
• 3 cloves garlic smashed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon sliced

Method

 

1. Stir the sugar and salt into the warm tea until dissolved, then cool with the garlic and lemon.
2. Submerge the chicken in the brine and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
3. Remove, pat dry, and brush with olive oil.
4. Grill over medium heat 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't brine longer than overnight or the texture turns mushy.

13) Homemade Chicken and Biscuits

Tender chicken in creamy gravy served over biscuits is the ultimate comfort food.

Homemade Chicken and Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits that are baked to perfection then split and topped with a rich and flavorful chicken gravy.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups chicken gravy
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 425F. Cut the cold butter into the flour, baking powder, and salt until crumbly.
2. Stir in the buttermilk just until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Pat out, cut biscuits, and bake 15 minutes until golden.
4. Warm the chicken in the gravy until heated through.
5. Split the biscuits and ladle the creamy chicken gravy over the top.

Notes

Keep everything cold for the flakiest, tallest biscuits.

14) Southern Chicken Pecan Salad

For the perfect lunch, you can try a creamy chicken salad with toasted pecans and just the right amount of sweetness.

Southern Chicken Pecan Salad

Chicken salad Southern style, with pecans, celery, and relish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken diced
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup pecans toasted and chopped
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Stir together the mayonnaise, relish, Dijon, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken, pecans, and celery.
3. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Chill 15 minutes, then serve on croissants or over greens.

Notes

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet first for the richest flavor.

15) Chicken-Fried Chicken with Gravy

Crispy breaded chicken breast smothered in cream gravy is all about down-home comfort.

Chicken-Fried Chicken with Gravy

Chicken breasts that have been tenderized, breaded, and fried until crispy, then smothered in a peppery cream gravy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts pounded thin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in beaten egg, then back into the flour.
2. Fry in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
3. Whisk 3 tbsp flour into the pan drippings and cook 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thick, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Spoon the gravy over the chicken and serve.

Notes

Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks through before the crust burns.

16) Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta is sure to impress your family while bringing a little taste of the Bayou to your home. We're talking about creamy, spicy, and just a touch of fancy.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Penne with blackened Cajun chicken in a creamy, peppery, and slightly spicy sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne
• 1 lb chicken breast sliced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 cup parmesan grated
• 2 tbsp butter

Method

 

1. Cook the penne in salted water until al dente, then drain.
2. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear in butter until cooked through; set aside.
3. Saute the bell pepper in the same pan until softened.
4. Pour in the cream and simmer, then whisk in the parmesan until smooth.
5. Return the chicken, toss with the pasta, and serve.

Notes

Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.

17) Chicken Brunswick Stew

A thick, smoky stew that most definitely tastes like a Southern church potluck (and that's a good thing!).

Chicken Brunswick Stew

A wholesome Southern stew made with shredded chicken, corn, beans, and tomatoes, all simmered in a richly flavored smoky and sweet broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups corn
• 1 1/2 cups lima beans
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 onion diced

Method

 

1. Saute the onion in a pot until softened.
2. Add the tomatoes, broth, and barbecue sauce and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the corn, lima beans, and chicken.
4. Simmer 30 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
5. Season to taste and serve hot.

Notes

A dash of hot sauce and Worcestershire deepens that smoky flavor.

18) Southern BBQ Chicken

Finger-licking good BBQ chicken sticky and smoky will bring the summer feel to your backyard.

Southern BBQ Chicken

Sticky Southern BBQ sauce is brushed on bone-in chicken and slow-baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 pieces chicken bone-in
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 375F. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Bake on a lined sheet pan for 25 minutes.
3. Whisk the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar together.
4. Brush the chicken generously with sauce and bake about 20 minutes more, basting once, until the thickest pieces reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Broil 2 minutes at the end for sticky, caramelized edges.

Notes

Save a little extra sauce on the side for dunking.

19) Chicken and Cheese Grits

Southern comfort food that you can eat anytime is creamy cheese grits with seasoned chicken.

20) Bourbon Glazed Chicken

The glaze made of bourbon has a sweet yet smoky scent. This glaze will caramelize on this chicken and become completely irresistible.

Bourbon Glazed Chicken

Chicken thighs seared and simmered in a bourbon-brown sugar glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 chicken thighs boneless
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

 

1. Sear the chicken thighs in oil until browned on both sides.
2. Whisk the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and Dijon together.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Spoon the glaze over the chicken as it thickens and coats.
5. Serve over rice with the extra glaze drizzled on top.

Notes

The alcohol cooks off, leaving just deep caramel flavor behind.

21) Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard

Chicken with crunchy pecan coating and sweet and tangy dip feel special.

Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard

Chicken breasts crusted with pecans, baked until golden, and accompanied with honey mustard sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups pecans finely chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 375F. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into the chopped pecans.
2. Arrange on a lined baking sheet and season with salt.
3. Bake 22 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Whisk the honey and Dijon together for the dipping sauce.
5. Serve the chicken with the honey mustard on the side.

Notes

Watch the pecans closely so the coating toasts but doesn't burn.

22) Chicken and Cornbread Casserole

The entire family will enjoy this one-dish dinner with cornbread topping and tender chicken.

Chicken and Cornbread Casserole

A cornbread topping surrounds a baked chicken and vegetable creamy base.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 box cornbread mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 400F. Mix the chicken, soup, and vegetables and spread into a baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken layer.
3. Stir the cornbread mix with the milk and egg into a batter.
4. Pour the batter evenly over the top.
5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until the cornbread is golden and set.

Notes

Let it rest 5 minutes so the layers hold together when scooped.

23) Southern Smothered Chicken

Chicken slow cooked so that it falls off the bone, with a blnst of rich onion gravy.

Southern Smothered Chicken

Caramelized onion gravy paired with browned chicken thighs and slow braised to perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 chicken thighs bone-in
• 2 onions sliced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Season the chicken with salt, dredge lightly in flour, and brown in butter; set aside.
2. Saute the onions and garlic in the same pan until deeply golden.
3. Whisk the remaining flour into the pan, then slowly add the broth.
4. Return the chicken, cover, and simmer 30 minutes until tender.
5. Spoon the onion gravy over the chicken and serve over rice.

Notes

Let the onions get really golden for the deepest gravy flavor.

24) Chicken Creole

The tasty and tomatoey Creole sauce sets the stage for this chicken dish to become a weeknight winner.

Chicken Creole

Tender chicken simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with a Creole blend of peppers, onions, and celery.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 onion diced
• 2 tsp Creole seasoning
• 3 cups cooked rice

Method

 

1. Brown the chicken in a pot, then set aside.
2. Saute the bell pepper, celery, and onion until softened.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and Creole seasoning and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the chicken and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through and saucy.
5. Serve over hot white rice.

Notes

A dash of hot sauce at the end gives it that authentic Creole kick.