outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and elegantly flavorful, you have to try this outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits. It perfectly marries tender, garlicky chicken with the rich, cheesy creaminess of Parmesan grits, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together in a way that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, contributing to the depth, creaminess, and bright notes that make this dish sing. From the sharpness of garlic and lemon to the smooth, cheesy grits, these simple but vital components ensure your outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits is a total winner.

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thin slices cook quickly and soak in all that delicious scampi sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: The fragrant backbone for that unmistakable scampi flavor.
• 1 shallot, minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle hint of heat that wakes up your palate.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that helps cook the chicken and develop flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps beautifully brown the chicken and aromatics.
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Brings acidity and complexity to the pan sauce.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens everything with zesty freshness.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor without extra liquid.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbal finish that lifts the dish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance flavors perfectly.
• 1 cup stone-ground grits: The creamy base that anchors the dish with its smooth texture.
• 4 cups water or chicken broth: The cooking liquid for grits that adds more flavor when broth is used.
• 1 cup whole milk: Creates the luscious, creamy character of the grits.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the grits indulgently velvety.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Powerful umami and cheesy goodness.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the grits and rounds out flavors.

How to Make outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Grits

Start by bringing the water (or broth) and whole milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps from forming. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the grits simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the grits from sticking and to develop that signature creamy texture. Once the grits are thick and luscious, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and black pepper. Cover again and keep warm while you move on to the chicken. These grits will be the perfect, rich base for the savory scampi on top.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Shallots

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté these aromatics just for about one minute until they become fragrant and slightly softened — this step is critical for building the classic garlic-forward flavor of a great scampi sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through. The chicken needs to be tender so it complements the creamy grits effortlessly—think juicy, well-coated bites bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze and Finish the Scampi Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan to soak up all that concentrated flavor. Add the lemon juice and zest, letting the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld everything together beautifully. To finish, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal pop, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of the creamy Parmesan grits into warm bowls, then ladle the garlicky chicken and bright scampi sauce over the top. This final step transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible comfort meal that’s both hearty and elegant.

How to Serve outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits

Garnishes

Brighten your presentation by topping the dish with extra fresh parsley and wedges of lemon on the side. These garnishes aren’t just pretty—they allow each person to customize their citrusy kick and add a little green vibrancy to the creamy, golden dish.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed fresh vegetables like asparagus or broccoli adds wonderful contrast. The freshness of the veggies balances the richness of the Parmesan grits and chicken perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or a special occasion, serve the outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits in shallow bowls and sprinkle more Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes on top. Arrange the lemon wedges in a pretty fan shape and add a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-quality touch that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken scampi and creamy Parmesan grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the textures intact and flavors fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, but it’s best not to freeze the grits because the texture can become grainy. Freeze the chicken scampi for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out. For creamy grits, adding a splash of milk while reheating keeps them smooth and luscious just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese in the grits?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese make excellent substitutes and will provide a similar sharp, salty flavor.

Is it okay to use regular ground grits instead of stone-ground?

Stone-ground grits are preferred for their texture and flavor, but if you only have regular grits, you can use them; just adjust the cooking time as they tend to cook faster and have a finer texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile.

What wine pairs well with outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits?

A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony, garlicky flavors wonderfully and keeps the meal bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making outhern Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Grits enough. It’s comfort food elevated by fresh lemony brightness and cheesy indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this delicious southern-inspired meal—it’s pure joy on a plate!

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