SOUL FOOD THE RIGHT WAY! Buttermilk Fried Chicken | Mac & Cheese | Candied Yams Recipe

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to prepare a delicious southern meal featuring buttermilk fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, sweet candied yams, and flavorful green beans. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting dinner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through each dish, ensuring you create a feast that's sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Clean the Chicken

   • Rinse 2.5 lbs of chicken wings under cold water.
   • Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Marinate the Chicken

   • In a large bowl, combine the following spices:
     • 1 tsp chicken bouillon
     • 1 tsp seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
     • 1 tsp thyme
     • 1 tsp sage
     • 1 tsp salt-free Cajun seasoning
     • 1 tsp Maggie seasoning (optional)
     • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
     • Black pepper and rosemary to taste
   • Add enough buttermilk to coat the chicken thoroughly.
   • Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Make the Candied Yams

1. Prepare the Yams

   • Peel and slice 4 medium yams into even pieces.
   • In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp of salted butter.

2. Combine Ingredients

   • Add the sliced yams to the pot along with:
     • 1 tsp cinnamon
     • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
     • 1/2 tsp ginger
     • 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to 3/4-1 cup for sweeter yams)
     • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • Stir to coat the yams evenly.

3. Cook the Yams

   • Cover the pot and cook on medium heat until the yams are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

1. Make the Roux

   • In a saucepan, melt 1/2 stick of butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in 1-2 tbsp of flour until well combined.

2. Add Liquids

   • Slowly pour in 1 can of evaporated milk and 1.5 cups of heavy cream.
   • Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and season with garlic powder, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste.

3. Incorporate Cheese

   • Stir in 8 oz of colby jack cheese and 8 oz of cheddar cheese.
   • Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

4. Combine with Pasta

   • Pour the cheese sauce over cooked macaroni (not specified, but typically 1 lb) and mix well.
   • Top with additional cheese and a sprinkle of paprika, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Prepare for Frying

   • In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
   • Dredge the marinated chicken in flour or cornstarch, shaking off excess.

2. Fry the Chicken

   • Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet.
   • Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes per side.

Step 5: Cook the Green Beans

1. Prepare the Green Beans

   • Use drained canned green beans for convenience.
   • In a saucepan, combine the green beans with:
     • Chicken bouillon
     • Cajun seasoning
     • Chopped onion and garlic to taste.

2. Heat and Serve

   • Simmer until heated through and flavors meld.

Conclusion

Now you have a complete southern meal featuring buttermilk fried chicken, mac and cheese, candied yams, and green beans. Each dish complements the others, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy your cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment with the seasonings to suit your taste! For more recipes, check out Camirra's Kitchen on YouTube.