Craving a hearty and flavorful meal? Dive into this Southern classic that pairs flavorful red beans with crispy fried chicken. The combination of smoked meats with the rich beans and perfectly fried chicken is a match made in culinary heaven. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Red Beans:
- 1 pound Camelia red beans
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Slap ya Mama seasoning, to taste
- Smoked neck bones
- 1 pound good quality smoked sausage, sliced
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon each: salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
- Oil for deep-fat frying
Directions:
For the Red Beans:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
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Roasting Seasonings & Meat: Place smoked meat and chopped seasonings (onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic) on a sheet pan lined with foil. Wrap the pan tightly and place in the preheated oven for an hour. (If you prefer boiling your meats, you can do so instead.)
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Cooking Beans: In a large heavy pot, add the red beans and cover them with about 2 quarts of water. Season with salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat for about an hour.
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Combine and Simmer: Remove the smoked meat and seasoning from the oven. Carefully add the meat, vegetables, and the liquid to the beans pot. Season according to your taste. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium. Make sure to stir occasionally and add water if necessary. Continue cooking for another 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender, and the broth has thickened.
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
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Preparation: In a shallow bowl, combine the first nine dry ingredients for the chicken. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
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Coating: Dip each chicken piece in the eggs, ensuring it’s well-covered. Then, coat them with the flour mixture.
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Frying: Heat oil to 375°F in an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving Suggestion: Serve the red beans with a side of crispy fried chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Homestyle Red Beans with Crispy Fried Chicken!