Southern Style Chicken And Yams
Southern Style Chicken and Yams combines tender baked chicken with sweet, caramelized yams and a flavorful honey-mustard glaze. This comforting dish offers a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings that crave hearty Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 frying chicken, cut up or 6 chicken breasts, boned, skinned and halved ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange sliced yams and onion in a large shallow baking dish, about 3-quarts (9 x 13-inch).
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken on top of yams.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using.
- Melt butter and stir in prepared yellow mustard, honey, and orange juice.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and yams.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or garlic powder along with the salt and pepper. If you don't have yams, sweet potatoes work well as a substitute. For a nut-free version, omit the nuts altogether. If you're looking for a quicker method, you can use pre-cooked chicken. This recipe can also be adjusted to use other proteins, such as turkey, similar to Curried Chicken Or Turkey.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For an added layer of flavor, serve with a drizzle of Mushroom Wine Sauce. You can also serve it alongside rice or bread to soak up the delicious juices. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, making sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Chicken And Yams contains roughly 188 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1414mg per serving (61% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes, making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating ingredients like cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños into the chicken and yam mixture. You might also try serving it with a spicy hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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).