The Chicken & Egg Bowl from Yardbird features tender grilled chicken, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, creamy grits, and sauteed greens, creating a hearty and flavorful dish with a blend of savory and comforting textures.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Frying pan or skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Plate or serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 4 cups fresh collard greens (or kale)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat that grills evenly, and season them well with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the savory profile. Use stone-ground grits for creamy texture, cooking them slowly in whole milk with butter and sharp cheddar cheese to achieve rich, comforting flavors. Fresh collard greens or kale sauteed with garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes add a flavorful, nutritious balance to the dish. Cook eggs sunny-side-up for a runny yolk that complements the creamy grits and savory chicken perfectly. Your homemade Chicken & Egg Bowl from Yardbird copycat menu delivers the same hearty and satisfying experience as the original, perfect for a comforting meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Marinate chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken thighs 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked; set aside and let rest.
- In a saucepan, bring whole milk to a simmer.
- Whisk in stone-ground grits; reduce heat and cook, whisking frequently, until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes).
- Stir butter, cheddar cheese, kosher salt, and white pepper into grits; keep warm.
- Heat frying pan or skillet over medium heat; add olive oil (if necessary).
- Saute onion until tender; add minced garlic and collard greens (or kale).
- Add apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes; saute until greens are wilted and tender.
- In a separate skillet, fry eggs sunny-side-up until whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Slice grilled chicken thighs.
- Assemble bowls: spoon creamy grits into serving bowl, top with sauteed greens, sliced chicken, and sunny-side-up egg.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chicken & Egg Bowl from Yardbird copycat menu combines grilled chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, alongside creamy stone-ground grits enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and butter. If you don't have collard greens, kale serves as an excellent substitute to maintain the dish's nutritional value and texture. When preparing the sunny-side-up eggs, using a non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and easy flipping if desired. If whole milk is unavailable, a combination of half-and-half or heavy cream with water can help achieve the same creaminess in the grits. Your choice of apple cider vinegar can be swapped with lemon juice to add the necessary acidity to the sauteed greens.
Tips
Ensure the grill or grill pan is properly preheated to medium-high before cooking the chicken to achieve even grilling and avoid sticking. Stir the grits frequently while simmering to prevent clumping and burning on the bottom of the saucepan. When cooking the sunny-side-up eggs, keep the heat low to allow the whites to set gently while maintaining runny yolks. Assemble Your bowl right before serving to keep the textures distinct and the flavors fresh.
Nutritions
The Chicken & Egg Bowl from Yardbird provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Grilled chicken thighs are rich in lean protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle repair and growth. Creamy stone-ground grits offer slow-digesting carbohydrates and calcium from whole milk, while collard greens supply dietary fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants. Your meal includes a sunny-side-up egg that adds high-quality protein and vital nutrients like choline and vitamin D.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken and cooked grits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and prevent texture degradation. Keep sauteed greens in another sealed container and consume within 2 days for optimal flavor and nutrient retention. Your sunny-side-up egg is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; gently reheat without overcooking the yolk.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap chicken thighs with grilled shrimp or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. Use substituted almond milk or vegetable broth instead of whole milk to make the grits dairy-free. Replace collard greens with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor and quicker cooking time. You can also scramble the eggs instead of frying sunny-side-up to change the texture and blend flavors differently in Your Chicken & Egg Bowl.
Allergies
The Chicken & Egg Bowl contains common allergens such as dairy from whole milk, unsalted butter, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which can trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Eggs in this dish may also cause allergic responses for those sensitive to them. If you have any food allergies, it's important to verify each ingredient to ensure your safety before enjoying this flavorful meal.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken & Egg Bowl from Yardbird restaurant is favored for its flavorful combination of crispy fried chicken, creamy grits, and perfectly cooked eggs, offering a satisfying balance of textures and rich Southern-inspired flavors. This dish features high-quality, fresh ingredients like premium chicken, farm-fresh eggs, and stone-ground grits that create an authentic and comforting meal experience. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate the beloved, restaurant-quality taste at home while customizing seasoning and portion sizes to your preference. Your effort in replicating this iconic dish can capture the essence of Yardbird's signature Southern comfort cuisine, making it a worthwhile culinary challenge.