07/13/2025
🍗 Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or ~3 lbs drumsticks/thighs)
2 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
Instructions
Marinate: Soak chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight or at least 4 hours in the fridge.
Coat: In a large bowl, mix flour with spices. Dredge each chicken piece, pressing well to coat.
Rest: Let coated chicken sit for 15–20 minutes to set the crust.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and internal temp hits 165°F.
Drain: Place on a wire rack over paper towels. Sprinkle with extra salt while hot.
🧀 Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
2 cups milk (whole preferred)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard (optional)
Extra cheese for topping (cheddar or Colby Jack)
Instructions
Cook macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk, cream, eggs, butter (melted), and seasonings.
Stir in cheeses (reserve 1/2 cup cheddar for topping) and cooked macaroni.
Pour into a greased 9x13" baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
🥬 Southern Collard Greens
Ingredients
1 large bunch collard greens (washed, stemmed, and chopped)
4 cups chicken broth or water
1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices bacon
1 small onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, cook ham hock or bacon until browned. Add onions and garlic, cook 2–3 mins.
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add vinegar, sugar, and seasonings.
Add greens in batches, stirring to wilt.
Simmer covered for 45–60 minutes until tender.
Serve with a splash of hot sauce or vinegar.
🍽️ Tips to Serve It All Together
Start the greens first (they simmer the longest).
Boil and prep the mac next, then bake it while frying the chicken.
Serve with cornbread, sweet tea, or peach cobbler for the ultimate Southern experience.Fried chicken baked Mac cheese collard greens🤤😍😋