Southern Skillet Chicken
A hearty Southern skillet dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting family dinners with a touch of Southern flair.
Ingredients
- 1 large green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen cut okra, partially thawed ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole kernel corn, undrained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced olives ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook green pepper and onion with garlic in butter until tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, sliced olives, frozen okra, corn, crushed red pepper, salt, and vinegar. Cook, stirring, until thickened.
- Add canned chicken and heat through.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for a kick. If you don't have frozen okra, fresh okra can be used, just slice it and add it to the skillet earlier to ensure it cooks through. You can also substitute canned chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for added depth, similar to the Chicken recipes found in Southern cuisine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern Skillet Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also works well alongside a bowl of Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo for a hearty family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, or warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Skillet Chicken contains roughly 562 calories, with 13g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh okra, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers can enhance the dish's freshness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh vegetables may take a little longer to soften than their frozen counterparts.
Is this dish spicy?
The crushed red pepper adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper, or serve with a side of sour cream to balance the spice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).