🍗 Southern Soul Food Plate: Smothered Chicken, Candied Yams, Mac & Cheese, and Collard Greens

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🍗 Southern Soul Food Plate: Smothered Chicken, Candied Yams, Mac & Cheese, and Collard Greens







There’s nothing like a warm plate of Southern soul food to make you feel right at home. This comforting spread brings together all the classics — smothered chicken, candied yams, collard greens, baked mac and cheese, and rice with gravy.

Each bite is filled with slow-cooked love, deep flavors, and that nostalgic Sunday dinner feeling. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings that homemade Southern charm straight to your kitchen.

🍗 1. Smothered Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

  • 1 cup flour (for dredging)

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 3 tbsp oil (for browning)

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional for richer gravy)

Instructions:

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dredge in flour.

  2. Heat oil in a skillet and brown chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, sauté onions until soft. Add 2 tbsp flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth.

  4. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 35–40 minutes, until tender.

  5. Stir in heavy cream if desired for creamy gravy.

🍠 2. Candied Yams

Ingredients:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

  • ½ cup butter

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Layer sweet potato slices in a baking dish.

  2. In a saucepan, melt butter with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Pour over yams.

  3. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, until tender and syrupy.

🧀 3. Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup cream cheese

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 egg (beaten)

  • Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni and drain.

  2. In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in milk and cheeses until smooth.

  3. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce; stir in beaten egg.

  4. Pour into baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

🥬 4. Collard Greens with Smoked Meat

Ingredients:

  • 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped

  • 1 smoked turkey leg or ham hock

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring smoked meat, broth, and onion to a simmer for 30 minutes.

  2. Add collard greens and red pepper flakes.

  3. Cover and simmer on low for 1.5–2 hours, until tender.

  4. Adjust seasoning and serve with a splash of hot sauce if desired.

🍚 5. White Rice & Gravy

Serve the rice topped with your rich smothered chicken gravy — it ties the whole plate together beautifully.

💡 Tips:

  • Use cast iron for authentic Southern browning flavor.

  • Add a touch of honey to your yams for a glossy finish.

  • Pair with sweet tea or cornbread for the full Southern experience.

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