Description
Southern Comfort Plate with Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, and Gravy
Ingredients:
Fried Chicken
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
Oil for frying
Mashed Potatoes
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Gravy
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
Salt, pepper, and thyme
Sides
2 corn on the cob
Parsley for garnish
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Instructions:
Prepare the Fried Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep pan.
Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Whisk egg and milk together.
Dip chicken tenders in egg mixture, then coat in flour mixture.
Fry until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side).
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil potatoes until tender.
Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Cook the Corn:
Boil corn on the cob for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
Prepare the Gravy:
Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add chicken broth and milk, whisking until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
Assemble the Plate:
Serve fried chicken with mashed potatoes topped with gravy, corn, and parsley garnish.
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#SouthernComfort #FriedChickenDinner #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a perfect Southern Comfort Plate. Start by prepping all ingredients. For the chicken, ensure your oil reaches 350°F before frying. Use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy. While the oil heats, boil the diced potatoes. Once the chicken is fried and resting on a wire rack, finish the mashed potatoes. Keep the gravy for last, as it thickens quickly. Assemble each plate with a scoop of mashed potatoes, two chicken tenders draped over them, gravy spooned over both, corn on the side, and a final sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty plate is a complete meal. For a true Southern spread, add a side of buttermilk biscuits or collard greens. A drizzle of hot honey over the fried chicken adds a sweet and spicy kick. Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the gravy is warm. Pair with sweet iced tea or a cold lager to complement the rich flavors.
How-to Summary
- Season flour and prepare an egg wash for the chicken.
- Dredge chicken tenders and fry in hot oil until golden.
- Boil and mash potatoes with butter and milk.
- Boil corn until tender.
- Make gravy by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in broth and milk.
- Assemble all components on a plate and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, cut breasts into strips. Adjust frying time to 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do I keep fried chicken crispy? Let it drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from making the bottom soggy.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Gravy is best fresh, but you can make it earlier and reheat it gently, adding a splash of broth to loosen it if it thickens too much.
What’s a good substitute for corn on the cob? Canned or frozen sweet corn, sautéed in butter with a pinch of salt, works perfectly.
How can I make creamier mashed potatoes? Warm your milk and butter before adding them to the hot potatoes. This prevents the potatoes from becoming gummy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once drops the oil temperature, leading to greasy, not crispy, chicken.
- Lumpy Gravy: Ensure you whisk constantly when adding the liquid to the roux to create a smooth base.
- Gluey Mashed Potatoes: Avoid over-mashing. Use a ricer or hand masher and stop once they are smooth.
- Underseasoning: Taste and season each component—the flour coating, the potatoes, and the gravy—at every stage.
Conclusion
This Southern Comfort Plate delivers the ultimate satisfaction of crispy fried chicken, creamy potatoes, and rich gravy. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can recreate this classic, soul-warming dinner at home. It’s a celebratory meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.