Fried Chicken With Collard Greens Recipe

Fried chicken and collard greens stand as mainstays of Southern soul food. The fried chicken is crispy and juicy, with a golden exterior covering the tender, juicy meat. This delicacy includes collard greens, slow-cooked to a satisfying flavor, often topped with smoked ham hocks for a true southern flavor Roots in African American culinary heritage and closely associated with southern history, this iconic duo represents the harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and tradition that has souled the region.

Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 4-6 pieces of chicken (such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Soak the chicken pieces in a large bowl of butter for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
2. Whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a separate bowl.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the butter, removing the excess.
5. Dig each corn into the flour mixture and press the coating over the corn.
6. Carefully drop the covered chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown (about 12-15 minutes, depending on the pieces’ size), ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). ).
7. Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve it hot.

Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 2 bunches of collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1/2 pound smoked ham hock or bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook smoked ham hock or bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir it well.
6. Cover the pot and let the collard greens simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the greens are tender.
7. Just before serving, add apple cider vinegar for a bit of stickiness.
8. Remove the ham hock or bacon and shred the meat, adding back to the vegetables if desired.
9. Serve the collard greens hot as a side dish.

These recipes capture the essence of classic soul food flavors but feel free to adjust them to your taste preferences. Enjoy the hearty and comforting dishes that have become a cornerstone of Southern cuisine!