This comforting Homemade Southern Soul Food Plate brings together crispy fried chicken, slow-simmered red beans and smoked sausage over fluffy white rice, tender seasoned green beans, and buttery homemade cornbread. Rich, hearty, and packed with old-fashioned Southern flavor, it’s the kind of meal that feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy golden fried chicken

Smoky red beans cooked low and slow

Fluffy seasoned white rice

Southern-style green beans with bacon

Moist homemade cornbread

Classic comfort food made from scratch

Perfect for family dinners and holidays

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Southern Fried Chicken

6 chicken drumsticks or mixed chicken pieces

2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons hot sauce

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

Southern Red Beans & Rice

1 pound dried red kidney beans

12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced

6 slices bacon, chopped

1 small onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

3 cups cooked white rice

Southern Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 slices bacon, chopped

½ onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups chicken broth

Salt and black pepper

Homemade Cornbread

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

½ cup melted butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl combine:

Buttermilk

Hot sauce

Add the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Red Beans

Soak the beans overnight.

In a large Dutch oven cook the bacon until crisp.

Add:

Smoked sausage

Onion

Bell pepper

Celery

Cook until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in:

Beans

Chicken broth

Bay leaves

Smoked paprika

Cajun seasoning

Thyme

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat.

Simmer 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are creamy and tender.

Season with salt and pepper.

Serve over hot white rice.

Step 3: Southern Green Beans

Cook bacon until crisp.

Add onions and garlic.

Stir in green beans.

Pour in chicken broth.

Cover and simmer 35–45 minutes until tender.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Homemade Cornbread

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix together:

Cornmeal

Flour

Sugar

Baking powder

Salt

Whisk together:

Buttermilk

Eggs

Melted butter

Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Pour into a buttered baking dish.

Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.

Brush with melted butter while warm.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Mix together:

Flour

Paprika

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Salt

Pepper

Cayenne

Remove chicken from buttermilk.

Coat thoroughly in seasoned flour.

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry chicken 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain on a wire rack.

Step 6: Assemble

Fill each plate with:

A generous scoop of white rice topped with creamy red beans and smoked sausage

Crispy Southern fried chicken

Slow-cooked green beans

A thick slice of warm buttered cornbread

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

Marinate the chicken overnight for the juiciest results.

Simmer the beans slowly for a creamy, authentic texture.

Use bacon drippings to build deep Southern flavor.

Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.

Fresh buttermilk makes the cornbread especially tender.

Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.

Freezer: Beans, chicken, and cornbread freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Sweet iced tea

Homemade lemonade

Coleslaw

Candied yams

Mac and cheese

Peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Southern Smothered Chicken, Red Beans & Rice, Green Beans & Cornbread is the definition of classic soul food. Crispy fried chicken, smoky beans, fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and warm buttery cornbread come together for a meal that’s comforting, filling, and full of homemade Southern tradition. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving authentic comfort food.