Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 mouth-watering Southern chicken recipes, each with a crispy twist that will leave you craving for more! From classic comfort food like fried chicken and waffles to bold and spicy creations like Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Dixie, where the art of cooking meets the joy of eating. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy and crunchy or smothered in rich and creamy sauces, our collection of spicy Southern chicken recipes has got it all.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Hot Honey Drizzle
This Southern-style fried chicken recipe gets a sweet and spicy twist with the addition of hot honey drizzle, perfect for those who like a little kick. The buttermilk marinade adds tanginess and tenderness to the crispy fried chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Hot honey drizzle: 1/2 cup hot honey (see note), 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
7. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add hot honey and lemon juice; whisk until smooth.
8. Drizzle hot honey mixture over fried chicken before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this spicy Southern favorite! Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches are a staple of the city’s culinary scene, and we’re sharing our take on this finger-lickin’ good recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired level of heat)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 4 hamburger buns
– Pickle slices, lettuce, and tomato (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry the chicken breasts in hot oil (350°F) for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Assemble sandwiches by placing fried chicken on hamburger buns and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy Cajun blackened chicken recipe, smothered in a rich and tangy Creole sauce. This classic dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup Creole sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat each chicken breast evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until blackened.
5. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with Creole sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles
Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles Recipe
This classic comfort food dish combines crispy fried chicken with a fluffy waffle and drizzled with sweet maple syrup, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of the South in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 waffle iron recipe (see below)
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
5. Make waffles according to recipe and serve with fried chicken and maple syrup.
Cooking Time:
– Chicken: 15-20 minutes
– Waffles: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
Elevate your snack game with this mouth-watering combination of crispy and spicy chicken tenders, served with a creamy ranch dip. Perfect for game days or movie nights!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken breast tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Ranch dip (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then eggs, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the tenders in batches for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve hot with ranch dip.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy
A comforting classic that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich onion gravy, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken breasts to the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Transfer skillet to oven; bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from oven; whisk in heavy cream and butter. Simmer sauce over medium heat until thickened.
7. Serve chicken with onion gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy
Elevate your comfort food game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines crispy fried chicken with a rich and creamy pepper gravy. Serve it up with some fluffy mashed potatoes or crusty biscuits for the ultimate home-style meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Gravy:
+ 2 tablespoons butter
+ 2 cups heavy cream
+ 1 cup chicken broth
+ 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
+ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken breast in buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Prepare gravy by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Serve crispy fried chicken with creamy pepper gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes.
Creole Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage
This hearty one-pot dish combines the bold flavors of Louisiana with the comfort of a warm, satisfying meal. With its rich history as a peasant food, jambalaya has become an iconic staple of Creole cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
6. Add rice and stir to combine with the chicken mixture.
7. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Southern BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with these finger-lickin’ good Southern-style BBQ chicken drumsticks!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Remove excess skin from drumsticks, if desired.
4. Brush both sides of the drumsticks with vegetable oil.
5. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the BBQ mixture evenly onto the drumsticks.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hot and Crispy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese
Elevate your snack game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. Crispy fried chicken wings smothered in a tangy blue cheese dressing will be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken wings in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture.
4. Fry wings in hot oil until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Toss fried wings in blue cheese dressing until well coated.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Country-Style Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
This hearty pot pie combines tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and a flaky crust, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
3. Add frozen vegetables and cook until thawed.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
5. Gradually add cold water to form dough. Roll out to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Fill the crust with the chicken mixture and dot with butter.
7. Roll out remaining dough for top crust. Place on filling and crimp edges.
8. Brush with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and spicy twist on classic chicken. The combination of tender grilled chicken, caramelized peaches, and a kick of heat will make this dish a summer staple.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, grill diced peaches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Serve grilled chicken with caramelized peaches on top and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken and Biscuit Casserole with Cheese
This hearty casserole combines the warmth of chicken, creamy cheese, and buttery biscuits for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup biscuit baking mix
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together heavy cream and shredded cheese.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
5. Arrange cooked chicken, cream mixture, and biscuit baking mix in that order.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Deep-Fried Chicken Livers with Spicy Mayo
Elevate your snack game with this addictive combination of crispy fried chicken livers and creamy spicy mayo. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken livers, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Mayo (see below)
Spicy Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dredge chicken liver pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in buttermilk.
4. Fry livers in hot oil (375°F) until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve with Spicy Mayo for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern-Style Chicken Gumbo with Okra
This hearty gumbo combines tender chicken, flavorful okra, and aromatic spices for a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve over rice or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups okra, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons filé powder (optional)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add okra, onion, celery, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and filé powder if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Collard Greens
Savor the rich flavors of bourbon-glazed chicken thighs paired with tender collard greens in this comforting and easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the bourbon glaze.
4. Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, sauté sliced onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until caramelized.
6. Add chopped collard greens to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve glazed chicken thighs with wilted collard greens and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Fried Chicken
Get ready to elevate your fried chicken game with this creamy, cheesy twist! Moist and flavorful chicken breasts are stuffed with a tangy pimento cheese filling, then coated in a crispy breading and fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pimento cheese (softened)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with about 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese.
4. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs and then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Dredge the floured chicken breasts in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Fry the coated chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken
Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken: A Southern Twist on a Classic
This recipe combines the comforting flavors of sweet tea with the crispy goodness of fried chicken, creating a truly unique and delicious dish. Perfect for family gatherings or outdoor events, this sweet and savory fusion is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup sweet tea
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together sweet tea, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to create the brine.
2. Add chicken pieces to the brine, making sure they are fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and flour to create the coating mixture.
5. Dredge chicken in coating mixture, shaking off excess.
6. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
7. Remove fried chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a taste adventure! This collection of 18 Spicy Southern Chicken Recipes adds a crispy twist to classic comfort food. From Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Hot Honey Drizzle to Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Fried Chicken, these mouth-watering dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches or sweet and savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead, get saucy, and indulge in these delectable Southern-style chicken recipes!
