Description: Garlicky Southern Chicken Scampi Over Buttery Parmesan Grits – a delightful fusion of Italian-American classic with a Southern twist. Tender chicken scampi, infused with garlic, lemon, and a hint of spice, is served atop creamy, cheesy Parmesan grits, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that will warm your soul. This recipe blends the elegance of scampi with the down-home goodness of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, 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 fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Grits:
- 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
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Begin by thinly slicing the chicken breast. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the scampi sauce. Mince the garlic and shallot. Having these ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Cook the Grits. In a medium saucepan, combine the water (or chicken broth) and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Finish the Grits. After the grits have simmered and thickened, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the cheese is melted and the grits are creamy. Cover the saucepan and keep the grits warm while you prepare the chicken scampi.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté these aromatics until they become fragrant, which usually takes about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Step 6: Make the Scampi Sauce. Pour the dry white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet. Add the juice of one lemon and lemon zest. Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together. This step creates a bright and flavorful scampi sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 7: Finish the Scampi. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley into the chicken scampi. Remove the skillet from the heat. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve. Spoon the creamy Parmesan grits into bowls. Top the grits with the warm chicken scampi and drizzle with the pan juices. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s a delightful twist on classic dishes. The combination of the Italian-American scampi with Southern-style grits offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience. The creamy Parmesan grits provide a comforting and flavorful base, while the garlicky chicken scampi adds a burst of brightness and spice. It’s an easy-to-make meal that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. The use of simple, accessible ingredients means you can easily find everything you need at your local grocery store. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. The dish can be easily customized to suit your preferences – add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or swap the white wine for chicken broth if you prefer. The recipe is also balanced, providing a good source of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the grits, and healthy fats from the olive oil and Parmesan cheese. It’s a delicious and nourishing meal that you can feel good about serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or asparagus for a complete and balanced meal.
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the grits and scampi.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful scampi sauce.
- A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the dish.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the grits or scampi.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use stone-ground grits, which have a coarser texture and nuttier taste than instant grits.
- Be sure to stir the grits frequently while they are simmering to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If you don’t have white wine on hand, chicken broth works just as well in the scampi sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for spice.
- To make the dish ahead of time, prepare the grits and scampi separately and combine them just before serving.
- If you have leftover scampi, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 535 kcal per serving (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 40g per serving (estimated)
- Sodium: Varies depending on salt added (estimated)
Conclusion:
Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the best of Italian-American and Southern cuisines. With its flavorful chicken scampi and creamy, cheesy grits, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and customizable to your liking, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this unique and delicious meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground grits?
- While you can use quick-cooking grits, stone-ground grits are recommended for their superior texture and flavor. Quick-cooking grits will result in a smoother, less flavorful dish.
- Can I substitute shrimp for chicken in this recipe?
- Yes, shrimp is a great alternative to chicken in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, but reduce the cooking time for the shrimp, as it cooks faster than chicken.
- What if I don’t have white wine?
- If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth. It will still provide a delicious flavor to the scampi sauce.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the grits and scampi separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. Reheat the scampi and grits separately before assembling the dish.
- How can I make this recipe spicier?
- To make this recipe spicier, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce, or add a dash of hot sauce to the grits or scampi. You can also use a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, in the grits.
