Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare Southern Seasoned Grilled Chicken Wings, Mac & Cheese, and Green Beans – packed with flavor and soul.
🍗 Southern Seasoned Grilled Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- Dash of hot sauce (optional for marinade)
Instructions:
- Marinate: Toss wings with olive oil and all seasonings. Let marinate at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates.
- Grill wings for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes, until crispy and internal temp hits 165°F.
- Optional: Baste with a mix of butter and hot sauce in the final few minutes for extra Southern flair.
🧀 Classic Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or a pinch of cayenne (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheese (reserve some for topping), season with salt, pepper, paprika.
- Combine cheese sauce and pasta in a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
🥬 Southern-Style Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the bacon drippings, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add green beans and chicken broth. Simmer covered for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Season to taste, stir in bacon, and serve.
🍽️ Serving Tips:
- Serve the wings stacked high, alongside a creamy heap of mac & cheese and a helping of green beans.
- A side of cornbread or sweet tea would seal the deal!