Red Beans and Rice with Fried Wings (Southern Comfort at Its Best) – Fall comfort food doesn’t get better than this: smoky red beans and rice simmered to perfection and served with golden, crispy fried chicken wings.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a soul-satisfying Sunday dinner, this dish delivers bold flavor and warmth in every bite. Let’s dive in.
Red Beans and Rice with Fried Wings (Southern Comfort at Its Best)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Red Beans:
- 2 lbs red kidney beans, soaked overnight
- 1 smoked turkey leg
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic paste (or 3–4 minced garlic cloves)
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 tsp Mrs. Dash
- 1 tsp adobo
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
For the Fried Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1–2 tbsp yellow mustard (optional but adds crispiness)
- Seasoning blend: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (your fave mix)
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- Oil for frying
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Beans:
- Soak beans overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse. Remove any bad beans or debris.
2. Start the Base:
In a large pot, brown the andouille sausage until caramelized.
Add onions, peppers, and celery, and sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic paste and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Build the Flavor:
Add the smoked turkey leg, soaked beans, and chicken stock.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama, Mrs. Dash, adobo, and bay leaves.
Stir in butter, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
4. Shred the Turkey:
Remove the turkey leg, shred the meat, and discard the bone.
Add the shredded turkey back into the pot. Continue simmering until beans are tender and thickened, about 30–45 more minutes.
5. Fry the Chicken Wings:
Pat wings dry and toss in mustard if using.
Season well, then coat in flour.
Fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown and crispy, about 8–10 minutes, depending on size.
Let rest on a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Serve It Up:
Spoon a generous portion of red beans over steamed white rice.
Add a few crispy wings on the side.
Don’t forget some hot sauce if you like a little kick!
💡 Tips:
- Mustard adds a tangy flavor and helps the flour stick—try it at least once!
- Leftover beans are even better the next day.
- If you can’t find smoked turkey leg, use smoked sausage or ham hock.
