Southern Fried Chicken Plate: Delightful Homemade Delight

Southern Fried Chicken Plate: Delightful Homemade Delight

The Best Southern Fried Chicken Plate (My Family’s Favorite!)

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and nostalgia of a perfectly crispy, juicy piece of Southern fried chicken. It’s a dish that takes me right back to my childhood, sitting around the dinner table with my family, passing the mashed potatoes and collard greens. The aroma alone is enough to make my mouth water!

I’ve been perfecting my Southern fried chicken recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, this dish never fails to satisfy. It’s the kind of meal that just makes you feel good, you know?

Today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true Southern Fried Chicken Plate recipe with you. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, complete with all the classic Southern fixings. Let’s dive in!

Why This Southern Fried Chicken Plate Recipe Works

There are a few key reasons why this Southern Fried Chicken Plate recipe is a total winner:

• Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The secret is in the triple-dipping method, which gives you an unbelievably crunchy, golden-brown coating every single time.
• Juicy, Flavorful Meat: Brining the chicken in a simple buttermilk mixture ensures the meat stays incredibly moist and packed with flavor.
• Classic Southern Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, tangy collard greens, and buttery cornbread – this plate has all the essential Southern comfort food elements.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Whether I’m serving it to my family or hosting a backyard barbecue, this Southern Fried Chicken Plate is always a huge hit!

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this dish. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and all those classic Southern sides is just pure heaven. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re right back in Grandma’s kitchen.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken Plate

To make this Southern Fried Chicken Plate, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Chicken: I always use a mix of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks for the best flavor and texture.
• Buttermilk: This is the secret to super-moist, tender chicken. The acid in the buttermilk helps break down the proteins for a juicier result.
• Seasoned Flour: A blend of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates an incredibly crispy coating.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to golden-brown perfection.
• Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, tangy collard greens, and buttery cornbread are classic accompaniments.

Diana’s Tip: Make sure to use high-quality, fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture. I always opt for organic, free-range chicken when I can.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

While this Southern Fried Chicken Plate is absolutely delicious as-is, there are a few ways you can customize it to your liking:

• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the seasoned flour for a kick of heat.
• Honey-Glazed Chicken: Drizzle the freshly fried chicken with a bit of honey for a sweet-and-savory twist.
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Top the creamy mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives.
• Seasonal Sides: Switch up the collard greens for sautéed kale or roasted Brussels sprouts, depending on what’s in season.

How to Make the Best Southern Fried Chicken Plate

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I make my famous Southern Fried Chicken Plate:

1. Start by brining the chicken in buttermilk. This helps keep the meat super juicy and flavorful. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your seasoned breading mixture.
3. Diana’s Tip: For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then back in the buttermilk, and one more time in the flour. The triple-dipping method is key!
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces and fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden-brown and cooked through.
5. What I Messed Up At First: Make sure to maintain that 350°F oil temperature – if it gets too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked.
6. While the chicken is frying, prepare the classic Southern sides. Whip up some creamy mashed potatoes, sauté some collard greens with bacon, and bake a batch of buttery cornbread.
7. Once the chicken is perfectly crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Time to assemble your Southern Fried Chicken Plate! Pile high with the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread. Drizzle everything with a bit of hot sauce or honey, if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to help you avoid common pitfalls when making Southern Fried Chicken Plate:

• Overcrowding the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the proper oil temperature and ensure an evenly crispy crust.
• Not letting the oil get hot enough: Make sure the oil is at 350°F before adding the chicken – this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown color.
• Skipping the brining step: Don’t skip the buttermilk brine! This is what keeps the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
• Overcooking the sides: Keep a close eye on the mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread to prevent them from drying out.

My Tested Substitutions

While the ingredients I’ve listed are my personal favorites, there are a few substitutions that can work well in a pinch:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders can be used instead of bone-in chicken, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as rich.
• Buttermilk: Regular milk or even plain yogurt can be used in place of buttermilk, but the chicken may not be as tender.
• Collard Greens: Kale, Swiss chard, or spinach can all make tasty substitutes for the collard greens.
• Cornbread: Biscuits, dinner rolls, or even garlic bread can work as a side in a pinch.

How to Customize This Southern Fried Chicken Plate

One of the best things about this Southern Fried Chicken Plate is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:

• Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour for the breading. To make it dairy-free, skip the buttermilk brine and use a plant-based milk instead.
• Portion Sizes: This recipe easily scales up or down to feed a crowd or just your immediate family. Adjust the amounts of chicken, sides, and servings as needed.
• Flavor Profiles: Switch up the seasoning in the breading or try different sauces and toppings to put your own spin on the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Fried Chicken Plate

I love serving this Southern Fried Chicken Plate as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner or a laidback backyard barbecue. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and classic Southern sides is just so satisfying and comforting.

For a heartier meal, you can serve the fried chicken on top of the mashed potatoes, with the collard greens and cornbread on the side. Or, for a lighter option, try serving the chicken and sides as individual components on a platter so everyone can customize their plate.

No matter how you serve it, this Southern Fried Chicken Plate is sure to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling happy and full.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this Southern Fried Chicken Plate is that it makes for great leftovers! Here are my top tips for meal prepping and storing this dish:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sides up to 2 days in advance. Just store the components separately in the fridge until ready to reheat and assemble.
• Reheating: To reheat the fried chicken, place it on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy. The mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: Cooked fried chicken freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

* Calories: 650
* Protein: 40g
* Carbohydrates: 55g
* Fat: 35g
* Fiber: 5g

I hope this Southern Fried Chicken Plate recipe brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. It’s the kind of dish that just warms the soul, you know? So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think.

And don’t forget to Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest for more of my favorite home-cooked comfort food recipes!