Mouthwatering Southern-style Cupcakes with Fried Chicken, Cornbread, and Mashed Potatoes

Are you looking for a unique twist on classic Southern comfort food? Look no further than these Fried Chicken, Cornbread, and Mashed Potato & Gravy Cupcakes. This delicious recipe combines the best of three iconic dishes into one savory and satisfying bite. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

To make 12 cupcakes, you will need:

For the fried chicken:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the cornbread:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

For the mashed potato & gravy:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup gravy, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the fried chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
4. Dip the chicken pieces first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the buttermilk mixture, and then back into the flour mixture.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Make the cornbread

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting it into 12 equal pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the mashed potato & gravy

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash them with the milk and butter until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat the gravy in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4: Assemble the cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
3. Place a piece of cornbread in the bottom of each liner.
4. Top the cornbread with a spoonful of mashed potato, followed by a spoonful of gravy.

5. Finally, add a few pieces of fried chicken on top of the gravy.
6. Repeat the layering process until all of the ingredients are used up.
7. Bake the cupcakes for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the unique and delicious flavor combination!

Tips for Success

• Be sure to cut the chicken into small pieces so that they fit well on top of the cupcakes.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent it from becoming too greasy.
• Use homemade gravy for the best flavor, but store-bought gravy will work in a pinch.
• Serve the cupcakes immediately to ensure that they are warm and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute boneless pork chops or tofu for the chicken in this recipe.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes for up to 1 month. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What can I serve with these cupcakes?

These cupcakes are a meal in themselves, but they can be served with a side of green beans or a fresh salad.

5. Are these cupcakes spicy?

The cupcakes have a bit of heat from the cayenne pepper in the chicken coating, but it can be adjusted to your liking.