Fried Chicken (for breakfast!)
This fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's the perfect addition to any soul breakfast.
Ingredients:
2 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat)
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have time).
Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fry the chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Drain on a paper towel.
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it!
Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a spoon until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
Shape the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it out into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut the biscuits using a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass.
Bake the biscuits: Place the biscuits on the baking sheet, brush with a little extra buttermilk, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Creamy Grits
Ingredients:
1 cup stone-ground grits (preferably)
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp butter
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the grits: Bring the water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally, cooking for 20-25 minutes, or until the grits are soft and creamy.
Finish the grits: Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. If you like cheesy grits, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
2 tbsp milk or cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Whisk the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Cook the eggs: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt the butter. Pour in the eggs and cook slowly, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until they are scrambled to your desired consistency (soft and creamy or firm). Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
Gravy (for Biscuits)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
Salt and black pepper to taste
A pinch of cayenne or paprika (optional)
Instructions:
Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a paste and turns light golden.
Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Cook the gravy, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
Season: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a bit of heat if you like.
Assemble Your Soul Breakfast:
Serve the fried chicken alongside a biscuit, topped with a generous amount of gravy.
Spoon the creamy grits onto the plate with a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
Add the scrambled eggs on the side.
Enjoy your Soulful Breakfast:
This breakfast is a true taste of southern comfort. It’s perfect for a weekend morning, a special occasion, or whenever you need something hearty and soul-satisfying. You’ve got the crispy fried chicken, flaky biscuits, creamy grits, scrambled eggs, and gravy
