🍗 Southern Comfort Dinner Plate

This comforting Southern-style dinner includes juicy roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes with rich homemade chicken gravy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese, tender collard greens, and warm homemade biscuits. This version contains no pork, no bacon, no ham, and no beer, making it perfect for anyone avoiding pork products.

🛒 Ingredients

Roasted Chicken

• 4 chicken leg quarters
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup warm milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Homemade Chicken Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Baked Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Seasoned Collard Greens

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Homemade Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup cold butter
• ¾ cup milk

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
3. For the gravy, melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking. Simmer until thickened, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese. Stir in the macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
5. Heat the olive oil in a pot. Cook the onion until soft, add the garlic, then stir in the collard greens, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes.
6. Mix the biscuit ingredients until a soft dough forms. Cut into rounds and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden.
7. Serve the roasted chicken with mashed potatoes topped with chicken gravy, baked mac and cheese, collard greens, and a warm biscuit.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6