🍗 Southern Soul Food Plate

1. Baked Chicken (Legs & Thighs)

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs + 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup chicken broth (for basting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil.
3. Mix spices in a bowl and coat chicken evenly.
4. Place in a baking dish, skin side up. Add chicken broth to the bottom for moisture.
5. Bake 40–45 minutes, basting halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.

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2. Yellow Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 3½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp turmeric (or ½ tsp turmeric + ½ tsp paprika)
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
2. In a pot, melt butter, add rice, and toast 1–2 minutes.
3. Stir in turmeric, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until fluffy.

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3. Southern Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tbsp butter or bacon grease
• ½ small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add green beans and stir.
3. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer 10 minutes (longer if you want them extra tender).

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4. Baked Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella (optional, for stretchiness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 min.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in 1½ cups cheddar + mozzarella, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Combine pasta with sauce, pour into greased baking dish.
6. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 mins until bubbly and golden.

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5. Cornbread Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir gently.
5. Pour into muffin tin and bake 15–18 mins until golden.