Irresistible Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Grits

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing? Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky does just that. Imagine tender chicken sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a luscious garlic sauce, paired with rich, creamy grits that are infused with parmesan. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors and delightful aromas that will transport you straight to the South.

Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for Sunday dinners, where hearty meals like this one brought us together. The air would be filled with laughter and the enticing smell of garlic wafting through the house. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a cozy weeknight, this dish promises to impress. With its perfect balance of savory and creamy elements, Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky is destined to become a favorite in your home. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor journey!

Key Ingredients For Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for tenderness and quick cooking.
• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves as they provide the best flavor in the scampi sauce.
• Butter: This adds richness and depth to both the chicken and the creamy grits.
• Heavy Cream: Choose full-fat cream for a smooth and luxurious consistency in your sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances the flavor of the grits remarkably.

For the Grits:

• Grits: Use stone-ground grits for a heartier texture and better flavor absorption.
• Chicken Broth: This infuses the grits with extra flavor, elevating your dish significantly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare the Grits

In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Add stone-ground grits while stirring continuously. Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer for about 20-25 minutes until thickened.

Second Step: Cook the Chicken

While the grits are cooking, season boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Third Step: Make the Garlic Sauce

Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits; let it simmer gently.

Fourth Step: Combine Everything

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak up flavors from the sauce. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Fifth Step: Finish the Grits

Once thickened, stir in additional butter and parmesan cheese into your grits until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve suggestion: Transfer portions of creamy grits onto plates, top with flavorful chicken scampi, and drizzle any remaining sauce over everything for an irresistible finish.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Adjust Consistency: If grits are too thick, stir in more broth or cream until desired consistency is reached.
• Let Chicken Rest: Allowing cooked chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy.

Presentation Ideas

This Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: Charred asparagus or zucchini add vibrant colors and enhance the meal’s flavor profile.
• Bread Options: Offer crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken scampi.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

To ensure your Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky turns out perfectly, consider these cooking tips:

Use fresh ingredients, especially garlic and herbs, for optimal flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate your dish. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan; this allows for better browning and prevents steaming. For creamy grits, stir continuously and use high-quality stock to enhance taste.

Storage Recommendations

After enjoying your Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky, you may have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky provides a hearty meal packed with protein from chicken and carbohydrates from grits. Adjust portion sizes based on dietary needs. This dish also offers calcium from cheese and essential vitamins from added vegetables.

FAQs

What is Southern Chicken Scampi?

Southern Chicken Scampi blends traditional Italian flavors with Southern comfort food. It features sautéed chicken in a garlic butter sauce, typically served over creamy grits instead of pasta. This unique twist adds a local flair while maintaining that beloved scampi essence.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! To give your Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance for perfect results.

What pairings work best with this recipe?

Pair your Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Garlicky alongside light salads or roasted vegetables to balance flavors. A crisp white wine also complements this dish beautifully, enhancing its rich taste without overpowering it.

Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute shrimp for chicken in this recipe. Simply adjust cooking times since shrimp cooks faster than chicken. This variation still captures the essence of scampi while offering a delightful seafood twist!

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Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits

• Author: jenny
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

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Description

Indulge in a culinary delight with Southern Chicken Scampi served atop rich, creamy Parmesan grits. This dish features tender chicken sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, perfectly complemented by smooth, cheesy grits. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions, this comforting meal brings the heart of Southern cooking right to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Gradually stir in grits and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thick.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb flavors from the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Stir remaining butter and Parmesan into the grits until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve grits on plates topped with chicken scampi and drizzle sauce over all.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor enhancement. For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step. Substitute shrimp for chicken if preferred; just adjust cooking times accordingly.