🍗🔥 Fried Chicken, Honey BBQ Meatballs, Mac & Cheese & Green Beans – The Ultimate Comfort Feast!

Sometimes you just need a plate that feels like a big warm hug ❤️. This combo has it all: crispy fried chicken, sticky-sweet honey BBQ meatballs, creamy mac & cheese, and buttery green beans. A true soul-food style dinner that satisfies every craving on one plate. 😍

✨ What You’ll Need

For the Fried Chicken 🍗

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper 🧂
• Oil for frying

For the Honey BBQ Meatballs 🍯🥩

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
• 1 egg + ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey 🍯

For the Mac & Cheese 🧀

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk 🥛
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Green Beans 🥗

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• Salt & pepper

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Fried Chicken

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
• Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour.
• Heat oil and fry chicken until golden and crispy (about 12–15 minutes depending on size). Drain on paper towels. ✨🍗

2️⃣ Honey BBQ Meatballs

• Mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, and garlic powder. Roll into bite-sized balls.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes.
• In a skillet, warm BBQ sauce and honey, then toss cooked meatballs until glazed and sticky. 🍯🔥

3️⃣ Creamy Mac & Cheese

• Cook macaroni until al dente, drain.
• In a pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Stir until thickened.
• Add cheese and stir until creamy. Toss pasta in sauce. 🧀✨

4️⃣ Garlicky Green Beans

• Steam or blanch green beans until just tender.
• In a skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then toss beans until coated and glossy. 🥦🧄

🌟 Serving Suggestion

Plate up a crispy piece of fried chicken, a scoop of mac & cheese, a side of garlicky green beans, and a few sticky honey BBQ meatballs. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you’re feeling bold. 😋🍴

🥂 Final Thoughts

This comfort food platter has all the textures and flavors you crave – crispy, creamy, sweet, savory, and fresh. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, game nights, or anytime you want to feed your soul with a feast. 💛