American Southern Chicken and Collard Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Southern classic with slow-braised chicken and tender collard greens. This american-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken legs, collard greens, bacon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and sear the chicken legs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Tip: Don't move the chicken too early—this helps develop a flavorful crust.
  2. Step 2: Add the bacon to the skillet, cook for 4-5 minutes until it renders its fat and becomes crispy. Transfer the chicken and bacon to a slow cooker or large pot, then add the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Tip: Cooking the bacon first ensures it crisps up properly without burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the collard greens, pour in 2 cups of water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 45 minutes. Check the greens periodically, stirring gently to prevent sticking, until they’re tender and wilted. Tip: If the greens start to stick, add a splash of water to keep them from burning.
  4. Step 4: After 45 minutes, uncover the pot and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Tip: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does American Southern Chicken and Collard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover American Southern Chicken and Collard Greens?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in American Southern Chicken and Collard Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale American Southern Chicken and Collard Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is American Southern Chicken and Collard Greens vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes