Southern New Year's Day Skillet: Chicken and Greens 🍗🌿

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for ringing in the New Year the Southern way! Infused with the rich flavors of chicken, traditional greens, and aromatic spices, this skillet meal embodies comfort and celebration. Serve this dish alongside cornbread for a true Southern feast!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Greens

• 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and chopped (substitutes: kale or mustard greens)
• 1 tablespoon bacon grease (or olive oil)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Finish

• Cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

💡 For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Sauté the Greens:

   • In the same skillet, add bacon grease (or olive oil) and sauté the diced onion until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Collard Greens:

   • Stir in the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
   • Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the greens are tender and the flavors have melded.

💧 If collard greens are not available, feel free to substitute with kale or mustard greens, adjusting cooking times slightly as needed.

4. Combine:

   • Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the greens.
   • Let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon or sausage if desired, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

🍋 The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that's a perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or roasted chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. This creates a satisfying and delicious meatless dish! 🌱
• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños to the sautéed onions for an extra kick of heat.
• Herbed: Toss in a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right before serving for added freshness.
• Slow Cooker: Prepare the chicken and greens in a slow cooker, adding the broth and cooking on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.

This Southern New Year's Day Skillet is sure to bring joy and good fortune to your table as you celebrate a fresh start in the new year! 🌟🍽️