18 Recipe For Southern Chow Chow They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Chow chow is a versatile and flavorful relish that originated in the southern United States. This tangy and slightly sweet condiment is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from hot dogs and burgers to beans and greens. While there are many variations of chow chow, the classic southern recipe is a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious southern chow chow. So, put on your apron and get ready to become a chow chow master!
Main Ingredients: Onions, Cucumbers, Green Beans, Cauliflower Florets
Chow Chow is a classic Southern condiment that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to any dish. It's made with a combination of pickled vegetables, like cabbage, peppers, and onions, and can be served on top of your beer can chicken for an extra kick of flavor. You can also mix it into your chicken salad or use it as a topping for hot dogs or burgers.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. It's made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, giving it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. The best way to make it is in a cast iron skillet, which gives the cornbread a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy center.
Southern smothered chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with chicken pieces that are smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and spices. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in with family and friends.
Southern cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for your beer can chicken. It's a delicious combination of crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and herbs that are baked together to create a savory and filling dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to your chicken and will be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and make a great side dish for your beer can chicken. They are cooked low and slow with bacon, onions, and spices until they are tender and packed with flavor. Pair them with some cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy and make a great pairing with your beer can chicken. They are cooked low and slow until they are tender and fall off the bone, and then smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly evening.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. They are the perfect addition to your beer can chicken, and can also be used to make mini chicken sandwiches with the leftovers. These biscuits are easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with a creamy and cheesy sauce, mixed with elbow macaroni and baked until golden and bubbly. It's comfort food at its finest and will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
A variation of the classic baked macaroni and cheese, Southern baked mac and cheese is made with a combination of creamy cheese sauce and chunks of Velveeta cheese for an extra gooey and indulgent dish. It's the ultimate comfort food and the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
Finish off your meal with a delicious and decadent dessert by pairing your beer can chicken with Southern pecan pie bars. These bars have all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in a handheld form. They are easy to make and are the perfect sweet treat to end your Southern feast.
Nothing screams Southern cuisine more than a fresh and juicy peach cobbler. This dessert is made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a buttery biscuit topping. It's the perfect way to end your meal and will leave your guests wanting more.
If you're looking for a traditional and simple side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than classic Southern collard greens. These greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and vinegar for a tangy and flavorful dish that will complement your chicken perfectly.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that is perfect for snacking on while you wait for your beer can chicken to cook. This spread is made with a combination of shredded cheese, mayo, and pimento peppers, and can be served with crackers or used as a topping for your chicken.
Cabbage is a versatile and budget-friendly vegetable that is a great side dish for your beer can chicken. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, from sautéed to braised, and pairs well with a variety of seasonings and spices. Try adding some bacon or onions for extra flavor.
If you want to switch up your cornbread game, try making a batch of classic Southern cornbread. This version uses self-rising cornmeal, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar to create a slightly sweet and tangy bread that is perfect for soaking up the juices from your beer can chicken.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish, but it also makes a great topping for your beer can chicken. This gravy is made with crumbled breakfast sausage, flour, and milk, and can be served over biscuits or your chicken for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. These fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are the perfect way to round out your Southern feast.
If you have an abundance of summer squash, try making a Southern squash casserole to pair with your beer can chicken. This casserole is made with a cheesy and creamy sauce, mixed with squash and topped with buttery Ritz crackers. It's a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family gathering.
Fried corn is a Southern side dish that is easy to make and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. It's made by sautéing corn kernels in butter and bacon grease until they are golden and crispy. Top it off with some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
If you want to take your beer can chicken to the next level, pair it with a Southern classic, shrimp and grits. This dish is made with creamy grits, topped with plump and juicy shrimp, and smothered in a flavorful sauce. It's a delicious and indulgent meal that is sure to impress your guests.
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Chow Chow
Main Ingredients: Onions, Cucumbers, Green Beans, Cauliflower Florets
If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to cook your chicken, look no further than chow chow. This Southern relish is made with a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, peppers, and onions, and is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The tangy and slightly spicy flavors of chow chow pair perfectly with the rich and savory taste of the chicken, creating a dish that will have your taste buds singing.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. This classic side dish is the perfect complement to a hearty and flavorful beer can chicken. The crispy edges and moist center of Southern skillet cornbread make it the ideal pairing for the juicy and tender chicken. Add in some butter or honey for extra flavor and you have a match made in heaven.
For a truly indulgent beer can chicken experience, try smothering your chicken in a rich and flavorful gravy. This Southern favorite is made with slow-cooked onions and garlic, giving the chicken an extra layer of depth and deliciousness. The creamy and savory gravy seeps into the chicken, creating a succulent and mouth-watering dish that will leave you wanting more.
If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish for your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern collard greens. These nutrient-packed greens are slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks and spices, creating a dish that is both hearty and delicious. The smoky and savory flavors of the collard greens complement the juicy and tender chicken perfectly.
For a twist on traditional stuffing, try using Southern cornbread to create a delicious and unique dressing for your beer can chicken. The crumbly and savory cornbread pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful. Add in some sausage or pecans for an extra layer of texture and taste.
If you're feeling adventurous, try using oxtails instead of chicken for your beer can chicken recipe. This Southern classic is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The fall-off-the-bone tender meat pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, making for a truly indulgent meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
A Southern meal is not complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. These classic biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, and can also be used to make a delicious sandwich with the leftover chicken. The soft and fluffy texture of the biscuits pairs perfectly with the crispy and tender chicken, creating a dish that is sure to please.
No Southern meal is complete without a hearty and comforting side of macaroni and cheese. This classic dish is made with creamy and cheesy goodness, and pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful beer can chicken. The gooey and indulgent mac and cheese creates a contrast with the juicy and tender chicken, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you're looking for a twist on traditional mac and cheese, try using Southern-style ingredients to create a unique and delicious dish. This baked mac and cheese is made with bacon and green onions, giving it a savory and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken. The creamy and cheesy mac and cheese provides a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. These delicious treats are made with a buttery and flaky crust and a gooey and sweet pecan filling. The crunchy and sweet pecans provide a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken, making for a unique and mouth-watering meal.
For a sweet and fruity twist on traditional Southern desserts, try making a peach cobbler to go with your beer can chicken. This classic dish is made with ripe peaches, cinnamon, and sugar, creating a juicy and sweet filling that pairs perfectly with the chicken. The buttery and flaky crust provides a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken.
If you're looking for a simple and traditional side dish for your beer can chicken, you can't go wrong with classic Southern collard greens. These greens are slow-cooked with ham hocks and spices, creating a dish that is both healthy and flavorful. The smoky and savory flavors of the collard greens pair perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, making for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern staple that makes a delicious accompaniment to beer can chicken. This creamy and cheesy spread is made with sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos, providing a savory and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Spread it on some crackers or toast for a delicious and easy appetizer before digging into your main course.
Cabbage may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but when cooked in the Southern style, it becomes a delicious and flavorful side dish for your beer can chicken. This dish is made with bacon, onions, and spices, creating a savory and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken. The crispy and salty bacon adds a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken.
Cornbread is a versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of ways to complement your beer can chicken. Whether you prefer it crumbly or moist, sweet or savory, there is a Southern cornbread recipe for everyone. You can even use it to make a delicious stuffing or croutons for your chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish, but it also makes a delicious accompaniment to beer can chicken. This rich and creamy gravy is made with sausage, milk, and spices, providing a savory and indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Serve it over some biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that adds a delicious crunch to your beer can chicken meal. These golden and crispy balls of cornmeal are flavored with onions and spices, and are the perfect companion to the juicy and tender chicken. Serve them as a side dish or use them to make a delicious sandwich with your leftover chicken.
Squash casserole is a beloved Southern side dish that is both creamy and cheesy, and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This casserole is made with yellow squash, cheddar cheese, and crackers, creating a dish that is both crunchy and savory. The rich and savory flavors of the casserole provide a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken.
Fried corn is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for your beer can chicken meal. This dish is made with fresh corn and bacon, creating a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. The crispy and salty bacon adds a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to cook your beer can chicken, try pairing it with Southern shrimp and grits. This classic dish is made with creamy and savory grits and spicy and tender shrimp, creating a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. The rich and creamy flavors of the grits provide a delicious contrast to the juicy and tender chicken.
The Essential Ingredients
To make a batch of southern chow chow, you will need green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage. These are the main ingredients that give the relish its signature crunch and tangy flavor. You can also add other vegetables such as corn, carrots, and green beans to give your chow chow a unique twist.
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by dicing the green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers into small pieces. You can also use a food processor for a finer texture. For the cabbage, shred it into thin strips. Don't worry if you don't have exact measurements for the vegetables, you can adjust them according to your preference.
The Secret Ingredient
The key to a delicious southern chow chow is the pickling spice blend. This mixture of spices, including mustard seeds, coriander, and peppercorns, gives the relish its distinct flavor. You can find pre-made pickling spice blends at the grocery store, or you can make your own by combining equal parts of the above-mentioned spices.
Bringing it All Together
Now it's time to assemble all the ingredients and start cooking. In a large pot, combine the vegetables, pickling spice blend, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about an hour until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has thickened.
Preserving Your Chow Chow
One of the best things about chow chow is that it can be preserved for months. Once your relish has cooled, transfer it into sterilized jars and seal them tightly. You can store the jars in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. Refrigerated chow chow can last for up to a year, while canned chow chow can last for up to two years.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chow Chow
Congratulations, you have successfully made your own batch of southern chow chow! You can now enjoy it as a condiment on your favorite dishes or use it as a base for sauces and dressings. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your perfect chow chow. Don't forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family. Now, that's southern cooking at its finest.
