When it comes to soul food, nothing hits the spot like a plate of Red Beans with Sausage, Rice, String Beans, Fried Chicken & Cornbread. This classic Southern meal is packed with bold flavors, rich textures, and comforting warmth that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re craving a taste of New Orleans Creole cuisine or just looking for a hearty dish, this recipe has everything you need.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Southern Dish
- Flavor Explosion – The smoky sausage, creamy red beans, crispy fried chicken, and buttery cornbread create a perfect balance.
- Perfect Comfort Food – This meal is rich, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect for Sundays, family gatherings, or any time you want a warm meal.
- Easy to Make – While it takes some time to cook, this dish is simple and foolproof, even for beginners.
Let’s dive into this soul food masterpiece ( Red Beans with Sausage, Rice, String Beans, Fried Chicken & Cornbread ) and create a meal that’s finger-licking good!
Ingredients for Red Beans with Sausage, Rice, String Beans, Fried Chicken & Cornbread
For the Red Beans with Sausage
✔️ 1 pound dried red beans (soaked overnight)
✔️ 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced)
✔️ 1 ham hock (for extra flavor)
✔️ 1 onion (chopped)
✔️ 1 bell pepper (chopped)
✔️ 3 celery stalks (chopped)
✔️ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
✔️ 6 cups chicken broth or water
✔️ 1 teaspoon paprika
✔️ 1 teaspoon thyme
✔️ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔️ 1 teaspoon salt
✔️ 2 bay leaves
For the Rice
✔️ 2 cups long-grain white rice
✔️ 4 cups water
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
For the String Beans
✔️ 1 pound fresh string beans
✔️ 2 tablespoons butter
✔️ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
✔️ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Fried Chicken
✔️ 4 chicken drumsticks or thighs
✔️ 1 cup buttermilk
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✔️ 1 teaspoon paprika
✔️ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔️ 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cornbread
✔️ 1 cup cornmeal
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔️ 2 teaspoons baking powder
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
✔️ ½ cup sugar
✔️ 1 cup buttermilk
✔️ 1 egg
✔️ 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Red Beans with Sausage
1️⃣ In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until soft.
3️⃣ Add the soaked red beans, ham hock, chicken broth, and seasonings (paprika, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, salt, bay leaves). Stir well.
4️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Once the beans are tender and creamy, return the sausage to the pot and cook for another 15 minutes.
6️⃣ Remove bay leaves and ham hock, then mash some of the beans to thicken the sauce.
2. Prepare the Rice
1️⃣ Rinse the white rice under cold water until clear.
2️⃣ In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add salt and the rinsed rice.
3️⃣ Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Cook the String Beans
1️⃣ Trim the ends of the string beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3️⃣ Add the string beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
4️⃣ Season with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
4. Fry the Chicken
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4️⃣ Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat in the seasoned flour, and shake off excess.
5️⃣ Fry in hot oil for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
6️⃣ Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Bake the Cornbread
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3️⃣ Add buttermilk, egg, and melted butter, then mix until smooth.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
5️⃣ Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Serving & Enjoying Your Southern Feast
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to plate up this classic Southern meal:
✔️ Scoop some fluffy rice onto the plate.
✔️ Ladle the red beans and sausage over the rice.
✔️ Add a crispy fried chicken piece.
✔️ Serve with a side of buttery string beans.
✔️ Place a warm slice of cornbread on the side.
Drizzle a little hot sauce on top for an extra kick, and enjoy this soulful, home-cooked meal that’s sure to impress!
My meal: Red Beans with Sausage, Rice, String Beans, Fried Chicken & Cornbread
This Southern comfort food is the perfect blend of savory, smoky, crispy, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving authentic soul food, this recipe will not disappoint.
Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! ❤️👇 #SouthernFood #SoulFood #HomeCooking
