Delicious Southern Chicken Bake Recipe for Dinner
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you my latest creation – the Southern Chicken Bake Recipe! As a chef, I am passionate about creating dishes that not only taste delicious but are also easy to make.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves southern-style cuisine, as it combines a homemade spice rub with classic ingredients like chicken, black beans, sweet onion, and corn. The result is a tender and juicy oven-baked chicken that is both flavorful and comforting.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you want to make it spicier with some hot sauce or add some cheesy goodness with mac and cheese on the side, this dish can be customized to meet your needs.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s a simple homemade meal that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic Southern cuisine but looking to add some variety to your table, this Southern Chicken Bake recipe is a must-try. This simple homemade spice rub will help you achieve that tender, juicy baked chicken that you crave while bringing the flavors of the South right to your kitchen.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless – whatever you have on hand or prefer. The combination of garlic, onion, and a blend of spices like dried rosemary and seasoned salt creates a unique flavor profile that brings out the best in the chicken.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare. All it takes is a few minutes of prep time and then let the oven do the work. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
The addition of black beans, corn, and salsa adds some extra fiber and nutrients to this dish, making it a wholesome meal all on its own. But if you’re looking for sides to pair this with, consider serving it with some creamy mac and cheese or warm stuffing for a true Southern feast.
Finally, who doesn’t love leftovers? This recipe ensures that you’ll have plenty to enjoy the next day or freeze for later. Plus, imagine how amazing your kitchen will smell as it heats up again in the oven –yummy!
In summary,this Southern Chicken Bake recipe is a perfect blend of classic Southern simplicity combined with some creative twists on flavors that make a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredient List
To make this Southern Chicken Bake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of corn kernels, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jar of salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheese
This baked chicken recipe also calls for common pantry staples like olive oil, salt and pepper, as well as fresh oregano and thyme.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the meat of this recipe: Southern Chicken Bake. This dish is prepared in three basic steps: (a) seasoning the chicken with a homemade rub made from the spices, (b) coating the chicken with a breading mixture, and (c) baking until done. I suggest you preheat your oven to 350°F degrees for at least ten minutes prior to starting.
Ingredients Needed
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
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First, take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and do any necessary trimming or patting dry with paper towels. Set aside while you prepare the seasoning.
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Combine one cup of all-purpose flour with one teaspoon of paprika, one teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon each of black pepper and seasoned salt, plus two teaspoons each of dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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In another bowl or shallow dish, add one cup of bread crumbs.
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Roll the chicken breasts in the flour mixture until well coated.
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Then dip each chicken breast into an egg wash.
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Coat each breast evenly with bread crumbs.
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Place the prepared chicken breasts on a lightly greased baking sheet or dish and drizzle with some melted butter.
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Bake in your preheated oven at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.
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To ensure that it is ready to consume, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast until the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Once cooked, remove Southern Chicken Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
These ingredients and steps are simple yet effective, resulting in flavorful, tender, and juicy baked chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
While the core ingredients of this Southern Chicken Bake recipe are a must, there is plenty of room for customization and personalization. Here are some variations you can try to add your own twist to this classic comfort dish.
– Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese if you prefer something other than cheddar. Monterey Jack or Colby would also work well in this recipe.
– Corn: If you don’t have corn or don’t like it, you can substitute with another vegetable like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli to give the dish more color and variety.
– Salsa: Instead of using store-bought salsa, try making your own fresh salsa by mixing diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. You can also experiment with different levels of heat by adding more or less jalapeño or using different types of peppers altogether.
– Chicken Breasts: While chicken breasts are the traditional choice for this recipe, you could also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more flavorful result.
– Spices: The spice rub can be adjusted to your liking. Try adding other herbs and spices like cumin or thyme for added flavor depth.
– Stuffing: For an even heartier meal, consider adding some stuffing into the chicken breast before baking.
Regardless of how you choose to customize this Southern Chicken Bake recipe, make sure you stick to the fundamentals that make it a classic. With tender juicy chicken and a simple homemade spice rub that infuses every mouthful with classic southern flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Serving and Pairing
Once the southern baked chicken is ready to serve, it’s time to think about the best way to complete this delicious meal. I recommend serving this dish hot, directly from the oven, with a side of warm cornbread or fluffy mashed potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds happy and satisfied!
If you’re looking for a fresh and healthy option, serve the southern baked chicken with a side salad made from mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado. The juicy chicken will complement the tangy dressing and add protein to your plate.
For those who love spicy flavors, adding a dollop of salsa on top of the chicken before serving can be a great choice. This adds heat to the dish that can be tempered by pairing with a cold glass of sweet tea.
If you want to create an even more indulgent meal, try serving the chicken alongside some creamy mac and cheese or crispy stuffing topped with cranberry sauce. This will make for a classic southern-style feast that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Lastly, don’t forget to pair this meal with your favorite beverage. Whether it’s wine or beer or even a cold soda, just make sure it complements the flavors of your southern-style dinner.
With simple side dishes and beverages that enhance its bold flavors, this southern baked chicken recipe is bound to become one of your go-to meals for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prepping, the Southern Chicken Bake recipe is a game-changer. This dish can be made ahead and stored for a few days in the refrigerator or freezer. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, as you can just pop it in the oven and have dinner ready in no time.
To store the cooked chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and put it in your refrigerator. When reheating, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
If you plan on keeping the chicken longer than a few days, then it’s best to freeze it. Just wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Defrost overnight in your refrigerator before reheating as per instructions above.
But wait, what about the stuffing? Well, if you think ahead and plan to make extra stuffing mix, then you can store the uncooked stuffing mixture in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to one week.
Reheating the stuffing is easy too. Just place it in a baking dish, cover with foil or lid, and heat at 350°F until hot all the way through (about 30 minutes).
With this recipe, mealtime just got easier!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the perfect Southern Chicken Bake can be a daunting task, but with some tips and tricks, you can elevate your dish to the next level. Here are some essential tips that will make your baked chicken juicy, tender, and flavorful every time.
Firstly, season your chicken properly with a simple homemade spice rub. The rub should contain a variety of spices, including 2 tsp dried rosemary, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp seasoned salt. This combination of spices will not only enhance the flavor of the chicken but also add depth to the dish.
Secondly, don’t overcook your chicken. Chicken breasts should be baked for approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking will dry out the meat and result in tough and rubbery texture. On the contrary, undercooking can lead to food poisoning.
Thirdly, If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless breasts, remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in cuts require more time to cook through compared to boneless ones.
Fourthly, ensure that you preheat the oven before baking. Preheating helps in creating a golden-brown crust on the chicken’s exterior while keeping it moist and juicy inside.
Fifthly, Use cornbread stuffing as a side dish to enhance your Southern Chicken Bake experience. Stuffing complements the dish’s overall tastes and adds texture to every spoonful.
Lastly, make enough because leftovers are even more delicious once reheated than when they are first served.
In conclusion, follow these tips for perfect results when preparing Southern Chicken Bake: properly season your chicken with a simple homemade spice rub, don’t overcook or undercook your chicken, adjust cooking time depending on the cuts you’re using,, preheat your oven before baking , use cornbread stuffing as a side dish and make enough if you can, and enjoy the mouth-watering taste of a classic Southern meal that will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for comfort food.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a classic southern-style baked chicken recipe that is easy to make, delicious and tender, then this recipe is for you. With its simple homemade spice rub and breadcrumb topping, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.
Not only is this recipe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also versatile too. You can easily switch out the ingredients to something that better suits your tastes or what you have on hand. Furthermore, this recipe can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated to enjoy anytime.
In short, this recipe is a winner on many fronts. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal with family and friends, this southern-style baked chicken recipe is sure to please. So give it a try and let the flavors do the talking.
Southern Chicken Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 cups black beans
- 1 -2 sweet onion
- plenty garlic
- salsa
- 1 cup corn
- 2 cups cheese
Instructions
- Soften beans (or from can).
- Chop garlic, onion, and Chicken.
- put chopped ingredients, beans, and corn in 9x13 pan.
- mix in salsa
- bake 25 minutes at 350.
- add cheese and bake another 10 minutes.
- reheats well.