Southern chicken necks
Michelle Phetlhe | Wednesday March 4, 2026 08:39
They are versatile in the truest sense of the word. You can fry them, bake them, shallow fry them, slow cook them, or even throw them into a pot for deep, comforting broths. They adapt to whatever mood you’re in and whatever ingredients you have on hand, which already makes them a winner in my kitchen.
For us, these southern grill chicken necks made their appearance on a Friday night, the kind of night that doesn’t need much planning. A family movie night, everyone gathered, lights low, snacks within reach, laughter floating in between scenes. Food like this fits perfectly into moments like those.
It’s relaxed, it’s hands on, it invites conversation and connection. There’s something about sharing a bowl of chicken necks that slows everyone down just enough to be present. You dip, you nibble, you reach for another, and before you know it, you’ve created a memory that sticks far longer than the movie itself.
Chicken necks have this funny reputation of looking like more bone than anything else. At first glance, you might even wonder if it’s worth the effort. But once you start digging in, once you take that first bite and work your way around carefully, you realise there’s plenty of goodness tucked in there. It’s not rushed food.
You need to take your time, be delicate and dainty, almost respectful. It’s a mindful way of eating, where you pay attention to texture and flavour rather than inhaling your food without thought. Some people go all in and enjoy the bones too. Different strokes for different folk. Lebo who is based in the states once got me to eat bones during one of my first online cooking classes, and while it wasn’t all that bad, it’s not something I do on the regular.
I’ve seen my boys happily munching away at chicken bones, completely unbothered, and honestly, it just goes to show how personal food preferences can be.
What really elevated these southern grill chicken necks was the seasoning. We dipped the necks in a simple mix of flour and Southern Grill seasoning from Hinds, and that alone did so much heavy lifting. Southern Grill has quickly become one of those seasonings I reach for without thinking.
It’s value for money, it lasts a while, and it works across so many different meats and dishes. That kind of versatility matters in a home kitchen. The wider Hinds range is genuinely top tier. They cover all the usual, everyday spices and herbs that most of us grew up with, but what really stands out is how they stay ahead of the curve, creating seasonings that speak directly to the people and the way we actually cook.
These are spices that understand everyday foods like cabbage, wings, potatoes, beetroot and vegetables, foods that appear on our tables often and deserve just as much attention as any premium cut of meat. And with fish seasoning coming soon, I can already feel the excitement building. It even has me wanting to go fishing, which then leads to the very important question of what I would wear, because if I’m going fishing, I’m definitely thinking about the outfit too.
When coated lightly in seasoned flour and shallow fried, they develop this beautiful golden crust that crackles gently when you bite into it. Inside, the meat stays tender and juicy, clinging lovingly to the bone. It’s the kind of food that makes you lick your fingers without shame, because anything less would be disrespectful to the dish.
One of the best things about chicken necks is that they make a great snack for all and anytime. They don’t need a special occasion. They work just as well on a quiet afternoon as they do at a lively family gathering.
Serve them as is, pile them into a bowl in the middle of the table, and let everyone help themselves. Or pair them with a simple dipping sauce to add another layer of flavour. The sauce is optional, but it does add a little something extra, especially for those who enjoy a tangy contrast to the savoury crunch.
For this batch, I kept the sauce deliberately simple, using just three ingredients; tomato sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. That’s it. No fuss, no overthinking. The sweetness of the tomato sauce, the salty depth of the soy, and the gentle acidity of the vinegar come together in a way that complements the chicken without overpowering it. Sometimes less really is more.
Here is how I prepared the southern chicken necks at home, keeping things straightforward and achievable for any kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
Chicken necks, cleaned and patted dry All-purpose flour Southern Grill seasoning Salt, if needed Cooking oil suitable for shallow frying
Optional simple dipping sauce: Tomato sauce Soy sauce Apple cider vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken necks and patting them dry with kitchen paper. This helps the flour coating stick better and ensures a crisp finish when frying. In a bowl, combine the flour and Southern Grill seasoning. The ratio depends on how many necks you’re cooking, but the flour should be well seasoned and aromatic. Taste the flour mixture if you need to, adjusting with a little salt only if necessary, as the seasoning already carries a lot of flavour. Dredge each chicken neck in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated necks aside on a plate. Heat a shallow layer of oil in a wide pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle gently when a piece of chicken is added, but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken necks into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry in batches if necessary. Allow the necks to cook slowly, turning them occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. This usually takes several minutes per side, depending on size. Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the chicken necks from the oil and drain them on paper towels. For the optional sauce, simply mix tomato sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and stir until combined. Serve the chicken necks hot, with or without the sauce, and enjoy immediately.
There’s something deeply satisfying about food like this. It reminds you that joy doesn’t have to be complicated. Southern chicken necks bring people together, encourage sharing, and invite conversation. They ask you to slow down, to savour, to enjoy the process as much as the result. Whether you’re eating them during a family movie night, serving them up for friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting snack, they deliver every time.
In a world where food trends come and go, chicken necks remain quietly consistent. They’ve always been there, waiting for someone to give them the attention they deserve. And when you do, when you season them well, fry them with care, and eat them with intention, they reward you generously. Crispy, flavourful, affordable, and endlessly adaptable, southern chicken necks are proof that sometimes the simplest things are the most memorable.