Black eyed peas are a Southern culinary staple that brings comfort and tradition to any dinner table. Our delicious chicken and black eyed peas recipe combines hearty protein with rich flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. This one-pot meal is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and nutritious.
We’ve crafted this recipe to blend classic Southern cooking techniques with modern convenience. The tender chicken and creamy black eyed peas create a harmonious dish that’s both filling and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re looking to explore Southern cuisine or simply want a delicious meal that comes together quickly this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Get ready to experience a true taste of comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What Are Black Eyed Peas Chicken
Black Eyed Peas Chicken is a hearty Southern classic that blends tender chicken with nutritious black-eyed peas in a rich and flavorful one-pot meal. This dish represents a perfect marriage of protein and traditional Southern cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Origin of the Dish
The roots of Black Eyed Peas Chicken trace back to the deep agricultural traditions of the American South, where black-eyed peas have been a staple crop since the days of slavery. Historically, these legumes were brought to the United States from West Africa and became a crucial food source for enslaved people and later became a symbol of resilience and hope.
| Cultural Significance | Historical Context |
|---|---|
| Symbolizes prosperity | Introduced during slave trade era |
| New Year’s Day tradition | Represents survival and resourcefulness |
| Southern culinary heritage | Adapted from West African cooking methods |
Flavor Profile
Black Eyed Peas Chicken delivers a complex flavor landscape that balances earthy legumes with savory chicken and aromatic spices. The dish typically features:
- Creamy texture from slow-cooked black-eyed peas
- Robust umami notes from well-seasoned chicken
- Subtle smoky undertones often enhanced by ham or bacon
- Warm spice profile including paprika, thyme, and black pepper
“In Southern cooking, black-eyed peas aren’t just food—they’re a story of survival, resilience, and community.” – Southern Culinary Historians
The flavor combination creates a comforting and satisfying meal that speaks to the heart of Southern home cooking, blending nutritional density with rich cultural heritage.
Ingredients
Our Black Eyed Peas Chicken recipe combines traditional Southern ingredients with robust flavors that promise a hearty and nutritious meal. We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to ensure maximum taste and authenticity.
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) alternatively cut into serving pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Black Eyed Peas
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas (or 4 cups pre-soaked)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 large white onion diced
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 2 large carrots diced
- 2 bay leaves
Spices and Seasonings
| Spice | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked paprika | 1 tbsp | Depth of flavor |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 tsp | Subtle heat |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Earthy undertones |
| Garlic powder | 2 tsp | Aromatic base |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup chopped | Bright finish |
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
- Hot sauce
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Crumbled cornbread
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Preparing our Black Eyed Peas Chicken requires specific kitchen tools that ensure optimal cooking and flavor development. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Cookware Needed
| Cookware Item | Size/Type | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Large Dutch Oven | 5-6 quart | Perfect for one-pot cooking and even heat distribution |
| Heavy-Bottom Skillet | Cast iron preferred | Initial chicken browning and searing |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Stainless steel | Precise ingredient measurements |
| Cutting Board | Wood or plastic | Vegetable and meat preparation |
Recommended Utensils
We recommend having the following utensils ready to streamline your cooking process:
| Utensil | Specific Recommendation | Cooking Function |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Spoon | Long-handled | Stirring and mixing ingredients |
| Tongs | Stainless steel | Handling and turning chicken |
| Ladle | Large capacity | Serving and portioning |
| Meat Thermometer | Digital instant-read | Checking chicken internal temperature |
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | 8-inch | Precise ingredient chopping |
Pro Tip: Invest in quality tools that provide durability and precision for consistent cooking results.
Prep Work
Proper preparation is the key to a delicious Black Eyed Peas Chicken. We’ll break down the essential steps to ensure every component of this Southern classic is perfectly ready for cooking.
Preparing the Chicken
Before cooking, we need to transform our chicken thighs into flavor-packed protein. Here’s our precise method:
- Pat Dry Technique
- Remove chicken from packaging
- Use paper towels to thoroughly pat chicken dry
- Moisture removal ensures perfect browning and crispy skin
- Seasoning Approach
- Create a dry rub with:
- Smoked paprika
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
- Marinating Options
| Marination Time | Flavor Intensity |
|—————-|—————–|
| 30 minutes | Mild |
| 2-4 hours | Medium |
| Overnight | Intense |
Pro Tip: “The drier the chicken surface, the more beautifully it will caramelize.” – Southern Cooking Wisdom
Preparing the Black Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas require careful preparation to achieve the perfect texture:
- Sorting
- Spread dried peas on clean surface
- Remove any stones or discolored beans
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water
- Soaking Methods
- Quick Soak: Boil for 2 minutes, then rest for 1 hour
- Overnight Soak: Cover in water, refrigerate 8-12 hours
- Drain and Rinse
- Discard soaking water
- Rinse peas under fresh running water
- Drain completely before cooking
Chopping and Measuring Ingredients
Precision is our mantra for consistent, delicious results:
- Vegetable Prep
- Use sharp chef’s knife
- Uniform dice for:
- Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Aim for 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces
- Measuring Spices
| Spice | Measurement | Purpose |
|—————-|————-|———|
| Smoked Paprika | 1 tbsp | Depth |
| Cayenne | 1/2 tsp | Heat |
| Dried Thyme | 1 tsp | Aroma |
- Arrange all ingredients
- Measure before starting
- Create efficient cooking workflow
Cooking Instructions
We’ll walk you through creating this classic Southern one-pot meal step by step. Our method ensures tender chicken and perfectly cooked black-eyed peas bursting with flavor.
Seasoning the Chicken
To achieve maximum flavor, we’ll use a robust dry rub technique that locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust:
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels
- Mix seasoning blend:
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Generously coat each chicken thigh with the spice mixture
- Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to absorb seasonings
Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, consider marinating chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking the Black Eyed Peas
Preparing black-eyed peas requires careful attention to ensure perfect texture:
| Step | Action | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinse peas | 2-3 minutes | Remove debris |
| 2 | Soak peas | 4-6 hours | Reduce cooking time |
| 3 | Drain and rinse | 1 minute | Remove excess starch |
Cooking process:
- Heat Dutch oven with olive oil
- Sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots until soft
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
- Pour in chicken broth and soaked peas
- Simmer on low heat for 45-50 minutes until peas are tender
Combining Chicken and Peas
The final stage brings all flavors together:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Brown seasoned chicken thighs in hot skillet (3-4 minutes per side)
- Nestle chicken into simmering peas
- Cover Dutch oven
- Transfer to oven
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
🌶️ Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions and a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Cooking Methods
Mastering multiple cooking methods allows us to adapt our Black Eyed Peas Chicken recipe to different kitchen setups and time constraints. Whether you prefer traditional stovetop cooking or modern appliance techniques, we’ll explore three versatile approaches to creating this Southern classic.
Stovetop Method
The traditional stovetop method provides the most authentic cooking experience for our Black Eyed Peas Chicken. Here’s our step-by-step process:
- Preparation
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Brown chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden
- Building Flavor
- Remove chicken and sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots
- Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes
- Deglaze pan with 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Combining Ingredients
- Return chicken to the pot
- Add soaked black-eyed peas
- Pour in remaining chicken broth
- Season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper
- Cooking
- Bring to a boil
- Reduce heat to low
- Cover and simmer for 60-75 minutes
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
Slow Cooker Method
For hands-off cooking, our slow cooker method offers convenience without sacrificing flavor:
- Prep Work
- Brown chicken thighs in a skillet (optional but recommended)
- Transfer to slow cooker
- Layer pre-soaked black-eyed peas around chicken
- Seasoning
- Sprinkle spice blend evenly
- Add diced vegetables
- Pour chicken broth
- Cooking Parameters
| Setting | Time | Temperature |
|———|——|————-|
| Low | 6-8 hours | 195°F |
| High | 3-4 hours | 205°F | -
Finishing
- Check chicken temperature
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving
Instant Pot Method
Our Instant Pot approach delivers restaurant-quality results in record time:
- Sauté Stage
- Use Instant Pot’s sauté function
- Brown chicken thighs (3-4 minutes per side)
- Remove and set aside
- Layer Ingredients
- Sauté vegetables
- Add black-eyed peas
- Return chicken to pot
- Pour chicken broth
- Add seasonings
- Pressure Cooking
- Seal lid
- Cook on high pressure
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
- Natural release for 10 minutes
Pro Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
Serving Suggestions
Our Black Eyed Peas Chicken is a versatile dish that shines brightest when thoughtfully presented and complemented by the right accompaniments. Let’s explore how to elevate this Southern classic from a simple meal to a memorable culinary experience.
Plating Recommendations
When serving this hearty dish, presentation is key to enhancing its rustic charm:
- Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the rich textures
- Create a generous base of black-eyed peas topped with the golden-brown chicken
- Allow the sauce to pool slightly around the protein for visual appeal
- Select earthenware or cast-iron serving dishes to maintain the Southern aesthetic
Side Dish Pairings
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Complementary Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornbread | Buttery | Absorbs sauce perfectly |
| Collard Greens | Slightly bitter | Balances dish’s richness |
| Buttermilk Biscuits | Flaky | Soaks up extra liquid |
| Southern-Style Rice | Neutral | Extends meal’s volume |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Sweet | Adds caramelized complexity |
Garnishing Tips
We recommend these finishing touches to elevate your Black Eyed Peas Chicken:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for bright color
- Add thinly sliced green onions for mild onion bite
- Crumble crispy bacon bits for textural contrast
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for heat lovers
- Squeeze fresh lemon wedges for acidic brightness
Pro Tip: “A well-garnished dish is like a Southern story – it tells a delicious tale with every bite!” 🌿🍋
Make-Ahead and Storage
Preserving the delicious flavors of our Black Eyed Peas Chicken is simple with proper storage techniques. Follow our expert guidelines to keep this Southern classic fresh and tasty for days to come.
Refrigeration Instructions
We recommend storing your Black Eyed Peas Chicken in an airtight container to maintain its optimal flavor and texture. Here’s our precise storage guide:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | 3-4 days | Cool completely before storing |
| Container Type | Glass or sealed plastic | Prevents flavor absorption |
| Temperature | 40°F or below | Use refrigerator’s coldest section |
Pro Tip: Always separate the chicken and peas from any crispy garnishes before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Guidelines
Freezing this hearty dish is an excellent way to preserve its robust Southern flavors:
| Freezing Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal Storage Container | Freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag |
| Maximum Freeze Time | Up to 3 months |
| Recommended Portion | Store in individual meal-sized portions |
⚠️ Important: Remove any fresh garnishes before freezing to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating Tips
Revive the dish’s original deliciousness with our carefully crafted reheating methods:
- Stovetop Method
- Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying
- Heat on medium-low
- Stir occasionally
- Aim for internal temperature of 165°F
- Oven Reheating
- Preheat to 350°F
- Cover with aluminum foil
- Heat for 15-20 minutes
- Check internal temperature
- Microwave Option
- Use microwave-safe dish
- Cover with damp paper towel
- Heat in 1-minute intervals
- Stir between intervals
🔥 Quick Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safe reheating temperatures and maintain the dish’s moisture.
Nutritional Information
Our Black Eyed Peas Chicken is a nutritionally dense meal that offers a balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. This hearty Southern dish provides a wholesome eating experience that supports overall health and wellness.
Calorie Breakdown
Our recipe yields a nutritionally balanced meal with a comprehensive calorie distribution:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Percentage of Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Calories | 382 kcal | – |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Total Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
“Every bite of our Black Eyed Peas Chicken is a delicious journey through nutritional excellence.” – Culinary Nutrition Experts
Dietary Considerations
Our Black Eyed Peas Chicken offers versatile dietary options:
Gluten-Free Friendly
- Naturally gluten-free recipe
- No wheat-based ingredients required
- Safe for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals
Protein-Rich Meal
- High-quality protein from chicken thighs
- Complementary protein from black-eyed peas
- Supports muscle maintenance and recovery
Potential Modifications
- Low-sodium variant available
- Can be adapted for low-carb diets
- Easily made dairy-free
Key Nutritional Highlights:
- ✓ High in iron
- ✓ Rich in B-vitamins
- ✓ Good source of fiber
- ✓ Contains essential amino acids
Conclusion
We’ve explored a timeless Southern classic that brings comfort comfort and tradition to your dining table. Our Black Eyed Peas Chicken recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that connects you to rich cultural roots and incredible flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your kitchen adventure this dish offers something special. It’s versatile adaptable and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. We hope you’ll embrace this recipe celebrate its heritage and create delicious memories with every hearty bite.
Cooking is about more than just following steps—it’s about passion tradition and sharing love through food. So grab your ingredients get cooking and enjoy this incredible Southern treasure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Eyed Peas Chicken?
Black Eyed Peas Chicken is a classic Southern one-pot meal that combines tender chicken thighs with nutritious black-eyed peas. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish rooted in Southern culinary traditions, symbolizing comfort, resilience, and hope. The recipe features a rich blend of spices, vegetables, and protein, creating a satisfying meal that celebrates the depth of Southern home cooking.
What are the key ingredients for Black Eyed Peas Chicken?
The key ingredients include bone-in chicken thighs, dried black-eyed peas, chicken broth, onions, celery, and carrots. Essential spices are smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Optional garnishes include green onions, bacon bits, hot sauce, lemon wedges, and cornbread. These ingredients combine to create a nutritious, flavorful dish that represents the heart of Southern cuisine.
How long does it take to prepare Black Eyed Peas Chicken?
Preparation time varies depending on the cooking method. Stovetop method takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, including soaking and cooking peas. Slow cooker method requires 6-8 hours on low setting. Instant Pot method can be completed in about 45-60 minutes. Total time includes ingredient preparation, chicken browning, and cooking the dish to ensure tender meat and perfectly cooked black-eyed peas.
Can I make Black Eyed Peas Chicken in advance?
Yes, Black Eyed Peas Chicken is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a stovetop, oven, or microwave, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Proper storage helps maintain the dish’s flavor and texture.
Is Black Eyed Peas Chicken healthy?
Absolutely! The dish is nutritionally balanced, with approximately 382 calories per serving. It provides 28g of protein, 35g of carbohydrates, and 14g of fat. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in iron, rich in B-vitamins, and a good source of fiber. The recipe can be modified for low-sodium, low-carb, and dairy-free diets, making it a nutritious option for various dietary needs.
What cooking methods can I use for this recipe?
Three primary cooking methods are available: stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot. The stovetop method offers traditional flavor through browning and simmering. The slow cooker provides a hands-off, convenient approach. The Instant Pot delivers quick, pressure-cooked results. Each method requires specific preparation steps and cooking times, allowing flexibility based on your kitchen setup and time constraints.
What are good side dishes to serve with Black Eyed Peas Chicken?
Excellent side dishes include cornbread, collard greens, buttermilk biscuits, Southern-style rice, and roasted sweet potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, crispy bacon bits, hot sauce, or lemon wedges to enhance flavor and presentation. These sides complement the dish’s rich, comforting flavors and add variety to the meal.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for ingredient substitutions. You can use different cuts of chicken, swap black-eyed peas for other legumes, or adjust spices to suit your taste. Vegetarian options can replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables. Always maintain the core flavor profile and cooking techniques to preserve the dish’s Southern essence.