Delicious Sunday Chicken Recipe for a Perfect Family Meal
Y’all! It’s time to get your taste buds tingling with some classic Southern-style cuisine! Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a journey of flavor and comfort. I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Southern Sunday Chicken – a dish that’ll transport you straight to the heart of Dixie!
Growing up in the South, food was always at the center of everything we did. We gathered around our kitchen tables every Sunday for a family dinner, and nothing beat the smell of golden-fried chicken wafting through the air. I remember my mama’s crispy and juicy fried chicken being the main attraction, and my Papa’s homemade gravy always adding that extra layer of warmth to every meal.
My recipe for Southern Sunday Chicken is an homage to those memories – it’s crispy, flavorful, and will have everyone gathered around the table asking for seconds. This dish is perfect for those Sunday dinner gatherings or any time you’re craving some soul food.
So let’s get cooking, folks! It’s time to make some unforgettable memories and indulge in some finger-licking deliciousness with this classic Southern Sunday Chicken recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Y’all, let me tell you about this Southern Sunday Chicken Recipe. This dish is a true testament to the warmth and comfort that good food can bring to our lives. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a big ol’ hug from your grandma.
But don’t let its cozy nature fool you, because this recipe packs a punch in the flavor department. The combination of garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, and celery seed blends together seamlessly to create a deep, hearty flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
And let’s talk about the chicken itself. We’re using boneless skinless chicken breast halves here, which are a healthier option than traditional fried chicken without sacrificing any of the flavor. And when you cook them up using this recipe, they come out juicy and tender on the inside with a satisfying crispy crust on the outside.
But what really sets this Sunday Chicken Recipe apart is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner with all the fixin’s or making it ahead for weekday lunches, it will always hit the spot.
So why will you love this recipe? Oh honey, where do I even begin? This is the kind of food that nourishes your soul and warms your heart. It’s simple yet flavorful, comforting yet versatile. Plus, it’s a true taste of Southern hospitality that will leave your friends and family begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the most important part of any recipe: the ingredients. Without further ado, here are the ingredients you will need to make my delicious Southern Sunday Chicken recipe.
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the batter:
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
For the gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- half an onion, chopped
- one celery stalk, diced
- fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (check here for chicken broth substitutes)
Note that it is important that some of these ingredients are adjusted to your taste preference – especially salt and paprika. So feel free to experiment!
The Recipe How-To
Coating The Chicken
First of all, let’s gather all the ingredients for the fried chicken coating. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of celery seed, ¼ teaspoon thyme and black pepper.
Next, put each chicken breast half between pieces of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them out to an even thickness.
After that, whisk together flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, celery seed, thyme in a bowl. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Cooking The Chicken
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat (or an electric skillet at 360 degrees F/180 degrees C), melt margarine and butter. Add coated chicken to the hot fat and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature using a thermometer before removing from the pan. It should read at least 165°F (75°C).
Creating The Sauce
While waiting for the chicken to be cooked perfectly, let’s make some yummy gravy sauce.
To make the gravy you will need:
- Drippings from cooking chicken
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- A can(12 oz.) of evaporated milk
- Chopped onion and fresh mushrooms(Optional)
- Salt(Optional)
📝 Note : You can also use this homemade gravy recipe for other dishes such as meatloaf or mashed potatoes.
Whisk flour into pan drippings until smooth. Gradually stir in chicken broth and evaporated milk until smooth and bubbly. Optionally add chopped onion and fresh mushrooms if desired. Cook for a few more minutes over medium-high heat until thickened.
Plate and Serve
Once the chicken is done and the gravy is thickened, it’s time to serve! Place the juicy fried chicken on a plate, pour the hot gravy on top and get ready to dig in.
This crispy Southern Fried Chicken recipe will surely be everyone’s favorite at your Sunday dinner. Don’t forget to prepare some tasty side dishes to make it more enjoyable. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that sometimes you might not have all the ingredients for a recipe or you want to try something different. Therefore, I have compiled some substitution ideas and variations of the Southern Sunday Chicken recipe.
Substitutions:
– If you are out of celery or fresh mushrooms, you can use frozen ones instead. You can also opt for other vegetables such as carrots to add more color and texture.
– You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
– For those who are lactose intolerant, you can replace evaporated milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
Variations:
– Want to make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
– If you prefer a gluten-free version of this recipe, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour.
– For a healthier option, cook the chicken in an air fryer instead of pan-frying it. This will give you juicy and crispy fried chicken without the added oil.
– To make smothered chicken instead of fried chicken, skip the breading step and sauté the chicken in butter until browned. Then add onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chicken broth. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve with a side of homemade gravy.
In summary, these substitutions and variations can help customize the Southern Sunday Chicken recipe to your liking or dietary restrictions without compromising its delicious taste. Feel free to get creative in your kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Sunday Chicken is the perfect centerpiece for any dinner party or family gathering. Its crispy fried coating and juicy interior will leave everyone’s taste buds buzzing with delight. But to elevate this chicken recipe to the next level, you need to pair it with the right sides and refreshments.
For a classic southern twist, serve your Southern Sunday Chicken with collard greens cooked in ham hocks for a savory flavor and smothered in some tangy vinegar sauce. Garlic mashed potatoes and cornbread stuffing can also be great choices to pile alongside your crispy fried chicken.
To balance out the hearty flavors of this chicken recipe, I suggest serving a crisp salad with a homemade vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. You can also add some sliced fresh tomatoes or pickles for a refreshing touch.
To quench thirst at the dinner table, opt for sweet iced tea or lemonade to cool down the heat from the spices in the chicken. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs harmoniously with Southern Sunday Chicken. For beer lovers, pick amber ale or pale ale.
Remember that every dish needs its sidekick for a complete culinary experience. So when serving your Southern Sunday Chicken, make sure that your side dishes blend harmoniously with your chicken recipe without competing for attention on your guest’s taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know life can be hectic, and it’s not always feasible to cook a full meal from scratch every day of the week. That’s why I have some tips on how to prepare this Southern Sunday Chicken recipe ahead of time, as well as how to store any leftovers for later.
If you’re short on time during the week, consider preparing the chicken and gravy ahead of time on Sunday. Once you’ve cooked everything, let it cool completely before storing the chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until warmed through.
Leftovers are common when cooking for fewer people, so we have different solution recommendations. For one thing, if you know you won’t finish all chicken at once, don’t add the gravy sauce directly to it. Store them separately instead and combine them together when reheating. This will help keep the crispy texture of the chicken while preserving its saucy flavor.
If you plan on storing your leftovers for longer than 3 days in your refrigerator, consider transferring your chicken and gravy into freezer bags or containers that can be safely stored in your freezer. To reheat frozen leftovers safely, thaw everything in your fridge overnight before reheating it thoroughly either in a microwave or oven.
Lastly, I recommend serving this delicious Southern Sunday Chicken with oven-baked side dishes such as crispy roasted potatoes or buttered green beans that can be prepared alongside it to save time and effort. And for future meals – Repurpose any remaining chicken by shredding it over salad greens or stuffing inside tacos for another delicious meal that’s easy to make while still reminiscent of soul food!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking my Southern Sunday Chicken recipe. But before you do, take a minute to read these tips for perfect results.
1. Marinate the chicken overnight: For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, I recommend marinating it for at least 4 hours or overnight in buttermilk mixed with garlic powder and black pepper. This will ensure that each bite is moist and tender.
2. Preheat your oven properly: Make sure your oven is preheated before placing your chicken in it. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent any undercooked spots.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: To get that crispy, golden skin on your chicken, resist the temptation to overcrowd the pan. Use a large enough dish so that each piece of chicken has plenty of room to breathe.
4. Finish with margarine or butter: Just before serving, melt either margarine or butter over the top of the chicken for a golden brown finish and extra flavor.
5. Let it rest: Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow any juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite juicier.
6. Pair with traditional southern sides: My favorite side dishes to serve with Southern Sunday Chicken are mashed potatoes, collard greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create tender and juicy chicken with crispy skin every time. So go ahead and give my Southern Sunday Chicken recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Southern Sunday Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who craves traditional Southern flavors. Its juicy and crispy texture, along with the savory aroma of its herbs and spices, will take your taste buds on a tantalizing journey through the heart of Southern cuisine.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also allows for a variety of substitutions and variations to suit your preferences. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or a sheet pan, this recipe is versatile enough to produce outstanding results every time.
So why not treat yourself to a delicious Sunday dinner with this iconic recipe? Whether you prefer smothered chicken or fried chicken, this recipe will leave you feeling both satisfied and delighted. Don’t forget to experiment with different side dishes and gravies to enhance your experience even further.
In short, the Southern Sunday Chicken Recipe is the perfect embodiment of soul food culture. It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious. So grab your cooking utensils and let’s get started on a culinary journey that your taste buds have been dreaming about!
Southern Sunday Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 pound)
- 2 teaspoons butter or 2 teaspoons margarine
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 3 fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- hot cooked noodles
Instructions
- In a large resealable bag, combine the first seven ingredients.
- Cut chicken pieces into thirds; place in the bag and shake to coat.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter. Brown chicken on all sides; remove and keep warm.
- Add onion, celery and mushrooms; cook until tender.
- Return chicken to the pan; add broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour and milk until smooth.
- Add to pan; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
- Serve over noodles.
- Yield: 4 servings.