28 Southern and Soul Food Dinners That Satisfy the Whole Family
FEBRUARY 13, 2023
MAIN DISHES
SOUTHERN AND SOUL FOOD
If you’re looking for a meal that speaks to your soul, you’ve come to the right place. From comforting mac and cheese to classic fried chicken, these 28 Southern and soul food main dishes are sure to hit the spot.
From time-honored recipes passed down through generations to contemporary adaptations of Southern favorites, you’ll find something everyone can enjoy. Whether it's shrimp, sausage, chicken, or even a vegan version of Southern classics, we've got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend feast, this collection of Southern and soul food main dishes has it all. So grab a seat at the table and get ready to dig in.
Tornadough Alli
Chicken Fried Chicken
Easy and delicious this Chicken Fried Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinnertime recipe that brings the whole family to the table, with minimal ingredients it's a simple and comforting meal.
59
435.1k
821.0
30 min
TOTAL TIME
681
CALORIES
$1.37
PER SERVING
View Recipe
The Recipe Critic
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Sheet Pan
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Sheet Pan is so incredibly easy but packed with such amazing cajun flavor! This is a healthy and delicious meal that is also great for meal prep!
26
73,182
1,143
20 min
TOTAL TIME
508
CALORIES
$4.29
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Elf Proclaimed Foodie
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a spicy and rich cream sauce is a quick and easy dinner recipe with just the right amount of kick!
389
168.1k
2.9k
15 min
TOTAL TIME
419
CALORIES
$1.74
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Budget Bytes
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
This easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect easy and filling weeknight dinner, packed with plenty of smoky-spicy flavor!
122
41,605
746
45 min
TOTAL TIME
510
CALORIES
$2.22
PER SERVING
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Half Baked Harvest
Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spicy flavor, bell peppers, crispy chicken, plus the best creamy sauce...all made in just one pot in 30 mins!
364
15,783
144
25 min
TOTAL TIME
473
CALORIES
$2.07
PER SERVING
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Creme de la Crumb
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a one-pot wonder full of flavorful shrimp and rice with a Cajun seasoning that the entire family will enjoy!
553
222.8k
1.1k
30 min
TOTAL TIME
484
CALORIES
$2.55
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Rabbit and Wolves
Vegan Blackened Tofu with Cheesy Grits
Healthy baked blackened tofu served with super cheesy easy grits. The ultimate comfort food!
30
41,831
489
30 min
TOTAL TIME
424
CALORIES
$1.74
PER SERVING
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Mom Can
Southern Fried Chicken Tender Strips
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with tons of spices! The best darn flavor for Southern Chicken Tenders.
61
5
45 min
TOTAL TIME
842
CALORIES
$5.70
PER SERVING
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The Johan
Southern Fried Chicken: The Perfect Comfort Food...
Southern Fried Chicken is the perfect comfort food - and this ultimate version gets extra crispy and tasty every damn time.
8
512
CALORIES
$1.78
PER SERVING
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The MOM 100 Cookbook
Cheesy Jambalaya and Cajun Sausage Bake
Two shortcut ingredients get you to a comforting, inexpensive family-friendly casserole.
210
76
50 min
TOTAL TIME
467
CALORIES
$1.49
PER SERVING
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Half Baked Harvest
Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken
This Oven Fried Chicken is a slightly healthier, and much easier, take on the famous Nashville Hot Chicken. Breaded in corn flakes, oven baked, and finished with a beyond perfect sweet and spicy honey butter sauce, this is a chicken dinner that's sure to be loved by all!
1,324
64,617
45 min
TOTAL TIME
474
CALORIES
$1.34
PER SERVING
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Courtney's Sweets
Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast is a 7 ingredient beef crockpot recipe. This crock pot Mississippi pot roast is bursting with flavor and form tender.
1
13 min
TOTAL TIME
711
CALORIES
$3.19
PER SERVING
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Charisse Yu
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
This easy cajun shrimp recipe with veggies and sausage is perfect for a hot summer day. Cooked in less than 15 minutes, this will be your family's favorite!
2
30
247
CALORIES
$2.62
PER SERVING
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Taste of Home
Blend of the Bayou
My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved to Louisiana. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and beautiful. I've passed it on to my children, too. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
24
24
1,172
45 min
TOTAL TIME
616
CALORIES
$3.86
PER SERVING
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Chelsea's Messy Apron
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage & Veggie Pasta
This Cajun Sausage Pasta is deliciously creamy, perfectly spiced, and deeply savory. Plus, we've made it a little bit lighter -- no heavy cream needed!
5
17,584
108
40 min
TOTAL TIME
470
CALORIES
$1.86
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes
Vegan Étouffée
Étouffée is a luxurious stew from Louisiana that's typically made with shellfish. In this delicious, veggie-packed vegan version, bits of golden, chewy tofu spiced with Cajun seasoning make an appetizing stand-in for the seafood.
10
367
38
40 min
TOTAL TIME
316
CALORIES
$3.13
PER SERVING
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Delish
Cajun-Stuffed Chicken
Looking for new ways to switch up your weeknight routine? This Cajun-Stuffed Chicken is the best!
9
31,504
2,068
40 min
TOTAL TIME
434
CALORIES
$1.96
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Skinny Taste
Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Dinner
This fast and easy Cajun Shrimp recipe is a meal-in-one, made with shrimp, sausage, and lots of colorful vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers.
115
237.0k
10.6k
30 min
TOTAL TIME
313
CALORIES
$4.23
PER SERVING
View Recipe
The Recipe Critic
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet is the BEST 20 minute meal packed with awesome cajun flavor with shrimp, sausage, and summer veggies. This makes a great low carb meal and is also great for meal prep!
105
475.5k
28.2k
15 min
TOTAL TIME
339
CALORIES
$2.86
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Mom's Dinner
Cajun Pasta Recipe
Cajun pasta is a delicious dinner. Penne pasta, peppers, onions, smoked beef sausage are coated in a creamy cajun sauce with plenty of seasonings.
2
331
11
35 min
TOTAL TIME
780
CALORIES
$1.79
PER SERVING
View Recipe
All The Nourishing Things
Instant Pot Bacon-Jalapeño Baked Beans
Get out your pressure cooker and make the perfect healthy side dish for bar-b-ques, potlucks, and cookouts! These nourishing beans, with their slightly spicy, sweet, bacon-y flavor, are soaked so they're digestible and gas-free!
12
551
35
30 min
TOTAL TIME
142
CALORIES
$1.36
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Tastes Better from Scratch
Authentic New Orleans Style Gumbo
This Authentic New Orleans Gumbo is made with a dark roux, vegetables, chicken, sausage, and shrimp, and served over rice.
804
124.0k
2.0k
1 hr 20 min
TOTAL TIME
883
CALORIES
$4.10
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Cooktoria
Cajun Salmon
This Cajun Salmon recipe is an ultra-easy and flavorful dinner to make during your busy weeknights. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
23
165.5k
24.0
25 min
TOTAL TIME
514
CALORIES
$4.67
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Sweet and Savory Meals
Baked Crack Chicken
Baked Crack Chicken is creamy and cheesy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside! Addictingly delicious, loaded with flavors and so easy to make!
9
85,016
250
30 min
TOTAL TIME
1152
CALORIES
$3.62
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Healthy Fitness Meals
Cajun Shrimp Sausage Skillet
A zesty one-pan meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
8
103.2k
124.0
20 min
TOTAL TIME
251
CALORIES
$3.52
PER SERVING
View Recipe
100k Recipes
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun shrimp pasta is a great alternative for a family dinner or even a fancy meal served to guests.
17
28,611
47
20 min
TOTAL TIME
808
CALORIES
$3.07
PER SERVING
View Recipe
The Recipe Critic
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet is the BEST 20 minute meal packed with awesome cajun flavor with shrimp, sausage, and summer veggies. This makes a great low carb meal and is also great for meal prep!
107
231.4k
27.1k
15 min
TOTAL TIME
339
CALORIES
$2.86
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Sweet Tea and Thyme
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Southern baked macaroni and cheese, also called soul food mac and cheese, is the ultimate in comfort food. My authentic recipe has five cheeses, is creamy, rich and comforting, and stays true to the cultural classic.
2,791
186.4k
559.0
43 min
TOTAL TIME
928
CALORIES
$1.81
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Explore
19 Best Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner
27 Easy and Delicious Main Dishes That Make Dinner a Breeze
14 Best Cajun Shrimp Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Table
14 Delicious Vegetarian Recipes from the Soul of Southern Cooking
16 Tasty Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipes to Spice Up Any Meal
22 Southern and Soul Food Appetizers to Start Your Meal Off Right
