Saucy Smothered Southern Chicken with Parmesan Grits
Try this Saucy Smothered Southern Chicken with Parmesan Grits recipe
Try this Saucy Smothered Southern Chicken with Parmesan Grits recipe
- salt and pepper
- dash of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 green onion chopped
- 4 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
- cajun or creole seasoning
- 1 small green bell pepper sliced thin
- 1/2 jumbo sweet onion sliced thin
- 1/2 cup gluten-free quick-cooking corn grits*
- Carbohydrate 4.60004121536365 g
- Cholesterol 600.023125013081 mg
- Fat 33.8462580120149 g
- Fiber 1.19599047964297 g
- Protein 229.775394277632 g
- Saturated Fat 15.2194335929913 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1080g)
- Sodium 1195.93573880338 mg
- Sugar 3.40405073572068 g
- Trans Fat 4.55347374334146 g
- Calories 1296 calories
Step-by-step
- Generously season chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun or Creole seasoning, plus salt if seasoning mix is salt-free.
- Mist or spray a large, heavy-bottomed skillet like a cast iron skillet with extra virgin olive oil or nonstick spray over high heat then add chicken breasts and sear until golden brown, 1-2 minute per side. Chicken should not need be cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate then set aside.
- Melt butter in olive oil in skillet then add bell pepper, onions, and mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and then saute until caramelized and tender, 6-7 minutes, stirring often to ensure vegetables don't burn.
- Add chicken breasts back into skillet then pile vegetables on top. Add chicken broth then boil until liquid is reduced by a little more than half and chicken breasts are cooked through, stirring sauce every so often.
- Meanwhile, while the broth is reducing, make the parmesan grits. Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a saucepan then add grits and turn heat down to medium low.
- Whisk almost constantly for 3-4 minutes or until thickened but still creamy, lifting the pan for a few moments if the grits start to spatter.
- Remove pan from heat then stir in butter and parmesan cheese.
- Place a lid on top then set aside. Taste then add salt if needed before serving.
- Scoop grits into bowls then add chicken and vegetables on top.
- Spoon pan sauce on top then sprinkle with green onions and serve.
A Southern Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a satisfying and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pickups, homework help, and the ever-present to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to sacrifice flavorful, wholesome dinners. This Saucy Smothered Southern Chicken with Parmesan Grits recipe is my go-to for those nights when I need something both comforting and quick. It’s a dish that brings a taste of the South to my table, a reminder of simpler times and slow-cooked meals, but adapted to fit my modern, fast-paced life. The creamy parmesan grits provide a delightful counterpoint to the savory, saucy chicken, making this dish a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The secret to this recipe's success lies in the careful balance of flavors. The Cajun or Creole seasoning adds a depth of spice that is both exciting and satisfying, while the caramelized vegetables provide a sweetness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and the grits. The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. The chicken sears quickly, the vegetables soften beautifully, and the grits cook to creamy perfection in mere minutes. I often prep the vegetables earlier in the day, which reduces my cooking time significantly in the evening. This little trick makes this dish effortlessly achievable even on the busiest of weekdays.
This recipe is a versatile masterpiece; it’s easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. For instance, if you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of grits or substitute cauliflower mash for a lower-carb alternative. Similarly, the choice of seasoning is entirely up to your taste; feel free to experiment with different blends to find your perfect flavor profile. I often use a smoky paprika blend for an extra layer of complexity. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its ability to be easily customized to individual preferences, making it a true family favorite.
Beyond its practicality and deliciousness, this recipe is a window into my heritage and a way to connect with my roots. The Southern influence, evident in the chicken and grits, evokes memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners. It's a dish that transcends mere sustenance; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, a taste of home, wherever that home may be. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a story told through flavor, aroma, and the comforting ritual of gathering around the table.
More than just a recipe, this Saucy Smothered Southern Chicken with Parmesan Grits is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a dish that allows me to slow down, even in the midst of my busy schedule, and savor the moments of connection and nourishment it provides. And in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, that's a luxury I cherish.
So, if you're searching for a dish that's as satisfying as it is efficient, give this recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a reminder that even the busiest of lives can still find room for moments of delicious simplicity. I encourage you to experiment with the seasonings and vegetables to make this your own, to adapt it to your individual tastes, and to share it with the people you love most. After all, the best meals are shared, savored, and treasured.
