Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes: Chicken Dish

A Hearty Southern Braised Chicken with Garden Vegetables

Chicken Dish is a comforting one-pot Southern meal featuring browned chicken simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, green pepper, and stewed tomatoes. Slow cooking allows the vegetables to become tender while the chicken absorbs the rich tomato-infused broth, creating a satisfying family-style dinner.

Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe celebrates the Southern tradition of simple, wholesome meals made with everyday ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken (2–3 pounds)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup bacon fat
• 4 carrots
• 4 potatoes
• 4 onions
• 1 green pepper
• 2 cups stewed tomatoes
• 3 cups water

Serves: 4–6

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into quarters.
2. Combine the flour with 1 teaspoon of the salt and coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.
3. Heat the bacon fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on all sides.
4. Scrape and peel the carrots, peel the onions, and chop the green pepper.
5. In a heavy Dutch oven or large pot, layer the carrots, potatoes, onions, and green pepper.
6. Season the vegetables with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
7. Pour the stewed tomatoes and water over the vegetables.
8. Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
9. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
10. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
11. Serve the chicken with the vegetables and plenty of the flavorful tomato broth.

Pro Tip

For even deeper flavor, brown the chicken well before simmering. Serve with hot cornbread or fluffy rice to soak up the rich tomato broth.

The Story Behind This Dish

One-pot chicken dinners have long been a staple in Southern kitchens, offering an economical way to feed families with simple pantry ingredients and seasonal vegetables. Slow simmering allows every ingredient to contribute flavor, creating a hearty meal that’s both comforting and practical. Recipes like this reflect generations of Southern home cooking rooted in hospitality and resourcefulness.

Closing Summary / Pro Tips

• A classic Southern one-pot chicken dinner.
• Fresh vegetables become tender as they simmer in a rich tomato broth.
• Bacon fat adds authentic Southern flavor.
• Perfect served with cornbread, rice, or warm biscuits.

About the Creator

Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.

Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon. Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.