Southern Fried Chicken with Sweet Corn and Peach Glaze

Step 1: Begin by preparing the bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they are crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 2: While the bacon is cooking, wash and trim the green beans. Once the bacon is removed, add the green beans to the hot skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Sauté the green beans for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Next, prepare the sweet corn. If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen sweet corn, you can skip this step. Add the sweet corn to the skillet with the green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes, mixing well to combine the flavors.

Step 4: While the vegetables are cooking, peel and dice the potatoes. In another pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return them to the pot.

Step 5: To the drained potatoes, add 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. You can also leave some chunks for texture if desired. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 6: Now, prepare the peach glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and sliced peaches over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peaches have softened and released their juices. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the mixture slightly with a fork or an immersion blender.

Step 7: While the glaze is cooking, heat the fried chicken in the oven or in a separate skillet to keep it warm. If you’re using pre-cooked fried chicken, ensure it’s heated through and crispy on the outside.

Step 8: Once everything is cooked, it’s time to plate the dish. Start with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on one side of the plate. Next, arrange the sautéed green beans and sweet corn beside the potatoes.

Step 9: Place the fried chicken pieces on the plate next to the vegetables. Drizzle the warm peach glaze over the chicken, allowing it to pool slightly around the dish for a beautiful presentation.

Step 10: Finally, crumble the crispy bacon over the green beans for added crunch and flavor. Garnish with any leftover peach slices, if desired. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.