Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is an irresistible dish that marries the juicy tenderness of chicken with a rich, garlicky sauce, all served over the creamiest, most buttery grits you’ll ever taste. This recipe is one of those comforting dishes that tells a story on every plate. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest adds a refreshing zing to the savory taste of chicken, making every bite a delightful experience. The beauty of this Southern twist on traditional scampi lies not only in its flavor but also in how straightforward it is to prepare. In just under an hour, you can whip up a delightful meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.
As we dive into this recipe, you’ll find that the combination of flavors is nothing short of spectacular. The garlic brings an aromatic warmth, while the crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish. When served over creamy, cheesy grits, every forkful transports you to a cozy Southern kitchen where love and passion for cooking are served in ample portions. Whether you are planning a family dinner or entertaining friends, this Southern Chicken Scampi is sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Chicken Scampi
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chicken creates a rich, warm flavor that feels like home.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together easily, making it perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
- Versatile: Serve it for dinner, brunch, or any gathering. The dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Rich with Cheesy Goodness: Creamy Parmesan grits complement the dish perfectly, adding a touch of indulgence.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits, it’s essential to set up your kitchen workspace efficiently. Make sure you have a large pot for the grits, a skillet for sautéing, and measuring cups for your ingredients. A wooden spoon or a whisk is necessary for stirring the grits and chicken while cooking. Additionally, have a sharp knife for slicing the chicken and shallots, and a cutting board handy to keep your workspace organized.
Begin by measuring all your ingredients; this will save you time and ensure a smoother cooking process. It’s also advisable to have a couple of bowls ready to hold the prepared ingredients, like minced garlic and shallot, so they are within reach when it’s time to cook. This preparation not only maintains the flow in your cooking but reflects a well-thought-out approach to meal preparation that yields delicious results.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Start by bringing 4 cups of water or chicken broth, combined with 1 cup of whole milk, to a rolling boil in a large pot. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits; this ensures that there are no lumps and that the grits cook evenly. Once the mixture returns to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the grits cook slowly for about 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to stir periodically to prevent sticking and to check on the texture; the grits should become thick and creamy.
Step 2: Finish the Grits
As soon as the grits have thickened to your desired consistency, remove them from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter for a rich and luxurious flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover the pot to keep the grits warm while you prepare the chicken scampi.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, minced shallot, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper as you go. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning it occasionally. You’re looking for a golden-brown color on the chicken, indicating that it’s cooked through and wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully add ¼ cup of dry white wine or chicken broth into the skillet. This will help lift all those beautiful brown bits off the bottom of the pan, enhancing the flavor of your dish. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and add the zest to the mixture as well. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so that the liquids can reduce and thicken slightly, melding the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Finish the Scampi
Just before serving, stir in the ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Then, remove the pan from heat, allowing the flavors to mingle while you prepare for plating.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for seafood.
- Vegetables: Add some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken scampi for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor depth.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the grits are cooked to the right consistency for creamy texture—adjust with more broth or milk as necessary.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works better than pre-grated, giving you a creamier finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the chicken scampi over a generous mound of creamy grits for maximum satisfaction.
- Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for brightness.
Tips
- Keep the heat moderate while sautéing to avoid burning the garlic and shallots.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing the grits to cook slowly will yield better texture.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 720 per serving
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: Around 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grits and chicken scampi separately and reheat them when ready to serve. Just add a little water or broth to the grits while reheating to regain creaminess.
What wine is best to use for cooking?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio works well in this recipe. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent alternative.
Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground grits?
While stone-ground grits offer a superior taste and texture, instant grits can be used in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the chicken broth used is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is more than just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavors and comfort that will make you want to come back for seconds. This dish beautifully combines the vibrancy of Southern cuisine with a classic Italian-inspired preparation, resulting in a dish that embodies the best of both worlds. We encourage you to share your thoughts, variations, or any questions you have in the comments below! Enjoy cooking this authentic and scrumptious meal, and don’t forget to pass along the recipe to your fellow food lovers.
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Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is an irresistible dish that marries the juicy tenderness of chicken with a rich, garlicky sauce, all served over the creamiest, most buttery grits you’ll ever taste.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by bringing 4 cups of water or chicken broth, combined with 1 cup of whole milk, to a rolling boil in a large pot. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits; this ensures that there are no lumps and that the grits cook evenly. Once the mixture returns to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the grits cook slowly for about 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to stir periodically to prevent sticking and to check on the texture; the grits should become thick and creamy.
- As soon as the grits have thickened to your desired consistency, remove them from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter for a rich and luxurious flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover the pot to keep the grits warm while you prepare the chicken scampi.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, minced shallot, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper as you go. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning it occasionally. You’re looking for a golden-brown color on the chicken, indicating that it’s cooked through and wonderfully tender.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully add ¼ cup of dry white wine or chicken broth into the skillet. This will help lift all those beautiful brown bits off the bottom of the pan, enhancing the flavor of your dish. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and add the zest to the mixture as well. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so that the liquids can reduce and thicken slightly, melding the flavors beautifully.
- Just before serving, stir in the ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Then, remove the pan from heat, allowing the flavors to mingle while you prepare for plating.
Notes
If desired, substitute the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for seafood.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 45 g