Smothered Chicken over Rice, Baked Mac and Cheese, Green Beans with Smoked Turkey, and Cornbread Recipe
Family-Friendly Feast: Smothered Chicken Dinner with Mac & Cheese, Green Beans & Cornbread
Introduction to Southern Comfort Food
Southern cuisine is renowned for its hearty and flavorful dishes that bring comfort and warmth to the table. Among these culinary delights, smothered chicken over rice stands out as a quintessential Southern classic. Paired with indulgent sides like baked mac and cheese, green beans with smoked turkey, and cornbread, this meal is a celebration of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition.
Smothered Chicken over Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Cooked long-grain rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the smothered chicken over cooked rice, spooning the gravy over the top.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Tips:
- Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra protein.
- For a crispy topping, broil for a few minutes before serving.
Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz smoked turkey, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in diced smoked turkey and cook until lightly browned.
- Add green beans and chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips:
- Use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.
- If smoked turkey is not available, smoked sausage can be used as a substitute.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or crispy fried onions before serving.
Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- For a savory twist, add chopped jalapeños or shredded cheese to the batter.
- Serve with honey butter for a touch of sweetness.
- Leftover cornbread can be sliced and toasted for breakfast or used in stuffing recipes.
Serving Suggestions
To serve this Southern feast, arrange the smothered chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, with the baked mac and cheese and green beans with smoked turkey on the side. Slice the cornbread into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this smothered chicken over rice, baked mac and cheese, green beans with smoked turkey, and cornbread recipe is a delicious homage to Southern comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty textures, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. So gather your loved ones and enjoy a taste of the South tonight!
