The South is home to many iconic chicken dishes. We've rounded up the best Southern chicken recipes—the classics and a few new favorites to try.
28 Southern Chicken Recipes to Get Your Mouth Watering
Chicken Potpie Casserole
I always have leftover chicken broth on hand and use it for many things, including this comforting family favorite. You can bake your own biscuits as I do or buy them at the store. I like to bake extra biscuits to eat with butter and jam. —Liliane Jahnke, Cypress, Texas
1/28
2/28
Nashville Hot Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 419 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
3/28
Country Captain Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it's traditional to serve this over rice, it's also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 298 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
4/28
How to Make the Best-Ever Fried Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom's deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 811 calories, 57g fat (9g saturated fat), 176mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 47g protein.
5/28
Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 387 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
6/28
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma
fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 134 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
7/28
Biscuit Chicken Potpie
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty meal in one takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it into the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 966mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
8/28
Roasted Chicken with Brown Gravy
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks say this is the most delicious roasted chicken in brown sauce they've ever had. There's only one problem—there are never any leftovers! —Annie Tompkins, Deltona, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken with 1/4 cup gravy: 360 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
9/28
Sunshine Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is great to serve for large groups because it can be easily doubled and takes little time or effort to prepare. Even my husband likes to make this chicken dish, and he usually hates to cook! —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 317 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
10/28
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
11/28
Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 586 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
12/28
Jezebel Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy-to-prepare, sweet and spicy chicken dish is a quick favorite that we make throughout the year. Tender and moist, it's a filling dish for busy weeknights. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce: 380 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
13/28
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup vegetables: 329 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
14/28
Green Chicken Chili
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 320 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein.
15/28
Chicken Skewers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken skewers with tender chunks of chicken and garden-fresh veggies are easy to assemble and are always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 244 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
16/28
Tender Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 478 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 965mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
17/28
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
18/28
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
19/28
Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We devour these golden chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
20/28
Zippy Chicken and Corn Chowder
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Gently spiced corn chowder is always a good option for kids, but feel free to rev up yours with hot pepper sauce. This chowder’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. —Andrea Early, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 351 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 920mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
21/28
Chicken Cornbread Casserole
Total Time
3 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this super easy chicken slow-cooker recipe because it tastes like Thanksgiving, but without all the hassle. It's such a hearty and delicious meal for the fall or winter season. —Nancy Barker, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 500 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1657mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
22/28
Chicken Spareribs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These inexpensive chicken thighs get all gussied up in a zippy sparerib-style sauce that's irresistible —Janice Porterfield, Atlanta, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs: 583 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 2753mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
23/28
Curry Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad sandwich recipe is perfect to serve when you want to “show off” a little. It features an interesting blend of chicken, nuts, cranberries, curry and other ingredients. I mix it up the night before so the flavors meld. —Carole Martin, Coffeeville, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 625 calories, 41g fat (10g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
24/28
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
9 servings (3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Gumbo goes back to 1700s Louisiana; today's version is just as hearty using andouille sausage. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 544 calories, 39g fat (9g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 1514mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
25/28
Chicken Tamale Pie
Total Time
7 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry to put this slow-cooker meal together. I love the fact that I can go fishing while it cooks. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 359 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1021mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
26/28
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 549 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
27/28
Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Taking a classic and making it oven-ready is what you'll love about this oven-fried chicken thighs recipe. Made with simple everyday ingredients and a crunchy seasoned panko blend, it's less messy and plenty flavorful. The perfect go-to meal! —Kizmet Byrd, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 360 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
28/28
Chicken & Cheese Tortilla Pie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Trust me when I say this hearty dish can be assembled in minutes, then devoured even quicker with no leftovers. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 498 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.