Fried, Braised, and Smothered—Yes Please

Jenny deRemer

Oct 23, 2025

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Why settle for takeout when making Southern classics at home is both simple and rewarding? These main dishes are full of flavor, require minimal effort and beat any delivery option out there. You’ll get that home-cooked comfort with none of the hassle. Plus, cooking at home means you know exactly what’s going into your meal. So, forget the takeout menus and give these recipes a try instead.

Table of Contents

Southern Oxtails Recipe

A plate of white rice topped with a generous serving of beef stew, featuring chunks of tender meat and a rich brown gravy with visible slices of onion. The plate is placed on a wooden table next to a striped cloth napkin and a fork. Steam rises from the dish.
Image Credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen

This Southern Oxtails Recipe is a rich and hearty dish, perfect for slow-cooking until the meat falls off the bone. If you’re searching for the best Southern main dish recipe, this oxtail stew stands out with its bold flavors and tender meat. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting Southern meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Oxtails Recipe

Fried Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

A close-up of crispy fried chicken tenders on parchment paper, garnished with parsley leaves. A small container of creamy dipping sauce is placed beside the chicken. Additional parsley sprigs are placed around the chicken for presentation.
Image Credit: The Short Order Cook

Fried Buttermilk Chicken Tenders offer that perfect Southern crunch with juicy, marinated chicken in every bite. When looking for the best Southern main dish recipe, this classic delivers flavor and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Serve with a dipping sauce for an easy and delicious addition to your Southern dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Chicken, and Seafood

A bowl of seafood gumbo with shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, topped with a mound of white rice. A sprig of parsley garnishes the rice. To the left of the bowl, there is a bottle of Tabasco sauce. A spoon and striped napkin are placed to the right.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Chicken, and Seafood combines rich, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and fresh seafood in one pot. As a top contender for the best Southern main dish recipe, this gumbo offers a deep, savory flavor that’s perfect for a hearty family meal. Serve it over rice for a complete Southern experience.
Get the Recipe: Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Chicken, and Seafood

Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings

A ceramic blue bowl filled with chicken and dumplings sits on a marble countertop. A silver spoon and a multi-colored striped kitchen towel are placed beside the bowl. The chicken pieces and dumplings are immersed in a light broth.
Image Credit: Living in Normal

Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings brings all the comforts of Southern cooking with tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings. If you’re on the hunt for the best Southern main dish recipe, this classic is sure to hit the spot. It’s a warm, satisfying dish perfect for cozy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings

Air Fried Southern Catfish

A tray holds two pieces of breaded fried fish, a small bowl of dipping sauce, and lemon wedges. To the side is a bowl of coleslaw with a beige plastic fork. A red, yellow, and white plaid cloth lies nearby on the wooden surface.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Air Fried Southern Catfish delivers all the crispy, fried goodness you crave without the extra oil. For those seeking a healthier take on the best Southern main dish recipe, this version of fried catfish still packs plenty of flavor and texture. Pair it with coleslaw or hush puppies for an authentic Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Southern Catfish

Easy Instant Pot Dirty Rice Recipe

A serving of dirty rice is placed on a white decorative plate. The rice is mixed with ground meat and green vegetables. A colorful cloth napkin is visible in the background.
Image Credit: Two Kids and a Coupon

Easy Instant Pot Dirty Rice is a flavorful, one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re searching for the best Southern main dish recipe with minimal effort, this dirty rice recipe comes together quickly while still delivering all the traditional flavors of the South. It’s a filling meal that pairs well with cornbread or greens.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Dirty Rice Recipe

Smoked Brisket: Texas-Style Recipe

Three slices of smoked brisket with a dark, seasoned crust are laid out on a wooden cutting board. The meat appears tender and juicy with a rich brown color, showcasing visible marbling and a thin smoke ring along the edges.
Image Credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen

This Smoked Brisket: Texas-Style Recipe features melt-in-your-mouth meat with deep, smoky flavor, making it a top choice for BBQ lovers. When looking for the best Southern main dish recipe, this brisket brings authentic Texas-style barbecue to your table. Serve it with classic sides like baked beans or mac and cheese for the perfect Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket: Texas-Style Recipe

Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

A plate of chicken fried steak topped with creamy gravy, served over mashed potatoes. In the background, there is a bowl of fresh salad with various vegetables and a plate with a biscuit. The meal is set on a white tabletop.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy is a Southern classic, featuring crispy fried chicken topped with creamy gravy. If you’re after the best Southern main dish recipe, this one’s a winner for its flavor and heartiness. Serve with mashed potatoes or greens for a true Southern feast that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

Southern Oxtail Recipe (Authentic Soul Food)

A white bowl filled with rice and covered with three large, gravy-smothered pieces of smothered turkey necks, resting on a navy blue cloth. The gravy appears thick and seasoned with pepper. The background has a light, neutral tone.
Image Credit: Cooks with Soul

The Southern Oxtail Recipe (Authentic Soul Food) is a rich, flavorful dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection. As one of the best Southern main dish recipes, the oxtails become tender, and the gravy is perfect over rice. This soul food classic is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Southern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Southern Oxtail Recipe (Authentic Soul Food)

Ham with Spiced Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze

A beautifully roasted ham, sliced and displayed on a bed of greens, garnished with pineapple slices on a white rectangular plate. A serving tool and a yellow napkin are placed beside the plate on a white marble surface.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Ham with Spiced Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze blends sweet and savory flavors to create a show-stopping Southern dish. As one of the best Southern main dish recipes, this ham is perfect for holidays or special occasions. Pair it with classic sides like green beans or mac and cheese for a memorable Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Ham with Spiced Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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