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Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits for Ultimate Comfort

Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits for Ultimate Comfort
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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

This Southern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender garlic and lemon-infused chicken breast with rich, cheesy, and creamy stone-ground grits. Perfectly seasoned and elegantly simple, this dish is a delightful twist on classic scampi flavors, ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

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For the Chicken Scampi

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 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
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grits: Bring the water (or chicken broth) and milk to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the grits simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Finish the Grits: Once the grits are thickened, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and black pepper. Cover the saucepan to keep the grits warm while you prepare the chicken.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced shallot, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Deglaze and Flavor: Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
  6. Add Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and remove the skillet from the heat to preserve the fresh herb flavors.
  7. Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan grits into serving bowls, top with the lemony chicken scampi and pan sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk, cream, butter, and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives, though the flavor and texture will differ.
  • Use chicken broth instead of water to cook the grits for deeper flavor.
  • If dry white wine is unavailable, extra chicken broth works well as a substitute.
  • Stone-ground grits offer the best texture, but instant or quick-cooking grits can be used if time is limited, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Chicken Scampi, Parmesan Grits, Comfort Food, Chicken Breast Recipe, Creamy Grits, Lemon Garlic Chicken

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/southern-chicken-scampi-with-creamy-parmesan-grits-for-ultimate-comfort/