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:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
7. Add thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet.
8. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. 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:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
9. 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.