Name: Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
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

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

Scale

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

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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