Description
This soul food platter features three beloved staples—crispy fried chicken, smoky collard greens, and creamy baked mac and cheese. Made with love and layered with flavor, this recipe brings Southern tradition to your home kitchen. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you’re craving something truly comforting. With step-by-step guidance and simple ingredients, you’ll master this soulful meal that warms the heart and fills the belly.
Ingredients
Fried Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Collard Greens
- 2 lbs collard greens
- 4 strips smoked bacon
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
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Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours.
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Cook bacon for collards, then sauté onion and garlic in the rendered fat.
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Add greens, broth, vinegar, and spices. Simmer for 45–50 minutes.
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Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make a roux, then stir in milk and cheese. Mix with pasta.
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Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese/breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 min.
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Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes per batch.
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Serve everything hot with optional sides like cornbread or candied yams.
Notes
Let chicken rest before frying to avoid cold oil.
You can make greens and mac ahead—they reheat beautifully.
Add a pinch of sugar to greens if they’re too bitter.
Want extra crunch? Double-dredge the chicken.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken, mac, greens)
- Calories: 780