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!
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1) Southern Fried Chicken
Golden and crispy and impossibly juicy. This is the chicken that gets everyone to gather in the kitchen.
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Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
- Whisk the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
- Heat the oil to 350F and fry in batches 12 to 15 minutes, turning once.
- Drain on a wire rack and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
2) 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
Ingredients
Method
- Bring the broth to a simmer and stir in the shredded chicken.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter into a thick dumpling batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid until the dumplings are puffed.
- Stir in the cream, season, and serve hot.
Notes
3) Nashville Hot Chicken
Peppery, crackly and sweet-spicy, this is the chicken that built the city's fame.
Nashville Hot Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour, then dredge in seasoned flour.
- Heat the oil to 350F and fry the chicken 12 to 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Whisk the cayenne and brown sugar into 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil to make the hot oil.
- Brush the fiery oil generously over the fried chicken.
- Serve on white bread with pickle slices.
Notes
4) Chicken Fried Steak
The ultimate Southern Sunday supper is crispy breaded steak that is covered with peppery gravy.
Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
Method
- Dredge each steak in flour, dip in beaten egg, then back into the flour.
- Fry in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp; set aside.
- Whisk 3 tbsp of the flour into the pan drippings and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the gravy over the steaks and serve.
Notes
5) Chicken Jambalaya
Big flavor, one pot, and a sprinkle of Louisiana magic. This is sure to make your weeknight feel special.
Chicken Jambalaya
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the chicken and sausage in a large pot, then set aside.
- Saute the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and Cajun seasoning to toast for 1 minute.
- Return the meat, add the broth, and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour and oil in a heavy pot over medium heat to make a dark brown roux, about 20 minutes.
- Add the onion and cook until softened.
- Slowly stir in the broth and Cajun seasoning until smooth.
- Add the chicken and sausage and simmer 30 minutes.
- Serve over hot white rice.
Notes
7) Chicken and Waffles
Fried chicken and waffles with maple syrup is the best brunch option around.
Chicken and Waffles
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the chicken in 1 cup buttermilk, then dredge in 1 cup of the flour and fry until golden and cooked through.
- Whisk the remaining flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, and 1 cup buttermilk into a waffle batter.
- Cook the batter in a hot waffle iron until crisp.
- Set a piece of fried chicken on each waffle.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and serve hot.
Notes
8) Chicken Pot Pie
When I eat Flaky crust over creamy chicken filling, I know everything is going to be okay!
Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Melt the butter and whisk in the flour for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the broth and milk, whisking until thickened.
- Stir in the chicken and vegetables, then season.
- Line a pie dish with one crust, add the filling, and top with the second crust.
- Cut vents and bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
9) Chicken and Sausage Étouffée
With a buttery roux-based sauce, this Cajun classic is simply spoonable comfort.
Chicken and Sausage Étouffée
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking to a peanut-butter-colored roux.
- Add the onion and cook until softened.
- Slowly stir in the broth and Cajun seasoning until smooth and thickened.
- Add the chicken and sausage and simmer 25 minutes until tender.
- Serve over hot white rice.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bacon in a pot until crisp, then add the onion and saute until soft.
- Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in the black-eyed peas and chicken and cook another 10 minutes.
- Season to taste and serve warm.
Notes
11) Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken
Enjoy all the crispiness of fried chicken and no oil splatters to clean up afterward.
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Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Heat oven to 400F. Mix the panko, flour, paprika, and garlic powder, then stir in the melted butter.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned crumb mixture.
- Arrange on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden and cooked through to 165F.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the sugar and salt into the warm tea until dissolved, then cool with the garlic and lemon.
- Submerge the chicken in the brine and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove, pat dry, and brush with olive oil.
- Grill over medium heat 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
13) Homemade Chicken and Biscuits
Tender chicken in creamy gravy served over biscuits is the ultimate comfort food.
Homemade Chicken and Biscuits
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 425F. Cut the cold butter into the flour, baking powder, and salt until crumbly.
- Stir in the buttermilk just until a shaggy dough forms.
- Pat out, cut biscuits, and bake 15 minutes until golden.
- Warm the chicken in the gravy until heated through.
- Split the biscuits and ladle the creamy chicken gravy over the top.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Stir together the mayonnaise, relish, Dijon, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the chicken, pecans, and celery.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill 15 minutes, then serve on croissants or over greens.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Dredge each breast in flour, dip in beaten egg, then back into the flour.
- Fry in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
- Whisk 3 tbsp flour into the pan drippings and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thick, then season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the gravy over the chicken and serve.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear in butter until cooked through; set aside.
- Saute the bell pepper in the same pan until softened.
- Pour in the cream and simmer, then whisk in the parmesan until smooth.
- Return the chicken, toss with the pasta, and serve.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Saute the onion in a pot until softened.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, and barbecue sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the corn, lima beans, and chicken.
- Simmer 30 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Season to taste and serve hot.
Notes
18) Southern BBQ Chicken
Finger-licking good BBQ chicken sticky and smoky will bring the summer feel to your backyard.
Southern BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bake on a lined sheet pan for 25 minutes.
- Whisk the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar together.
- Brush the chicken generously with sauce and bake 20 more minutes, basting once.
- Broil 2 minutes at the end for sticky, caramelized edges.
Notes
19) Chicken and Cheese Grits
Southern comfort food that you can eat anytime is creamy cheese grits with seasoned chicken.
Chicken and Cheese Grits
Ingredients
Method
- Bring the broth to a boil and whisk in the grits, then simmer 20 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the cheese, milk, and butter until creamy.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear in a skillet until cooked through.
- Spoon the creamy grits into bowls.
- Top with the chicken and serve hot.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Sear the chicken thighs in oil until browned on both sides.
- Whisk the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and Dijon together.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer 12 to 15 minutes.
- Spoon the glaze over the chicken as it thickens and coats.
- Serve over rice with the extra glaze drizzled on top.
Notes
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
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into the chopped pecans.
- Arrange on a lined baking sheet and season with salt.
- Bake 22 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Whisk the honey and Dijon together for the dipping sauce.
- Serve the chicken with the honey mustard on the side.
Notes
22) Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
The entire family will enjoy this one-dish dinner with cornbread topping and tender chicken.
Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Mix the chicken, soup, and vegetables and spread into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken layer.
- Stir the cornbread mix with the milk and egg into a batter.
- Pour the batter evenly over the top.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes until the cornbread is golden and set.
Notes
23) Southern Smothered Chicken
Chicken slow cooked so that it falls off the bone, with a blnst of rich onion gravy.
Southern Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with salt, dredge lightly in flour, and brown in butter; set aside.
- Saute the onions and garlic in the same pan until deeply golden.
- Whisk the remaining flour into the pan, then slowly add the broth.
- Return the chicken, cover, and simmer 30 minutes until tender.
- Spoon the onion gravy over the chicken and serve over rice.
Notes
24) Chicken Creole
The tasty and tomatoey Creole sauce sets the stage for this chicken dish to become a weeknight winner.
Chicken Creole
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the chicken in a pot, then set aside.
- Saute the bell pepper, celery, and onion until softened.
- Stir in the tomatoes and Creole seasoning and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through and saucy.
- Serve over hot white rice.