Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking! This Saucy Smothered Southern Chicken with Parmesan Grits is more than just a meal—it's a delectable experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast. Imagine tender, crispy chicken thighs swimming in a luxurious cream sauce, nestled on a bed of creamy, cheesy grits that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and transport you straight to the comfort of a Southern kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grits
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, reducing heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- While chicken is simmering, prepare the Parmesan grits. In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and slowly whisk in grits.
- Reduce heat to low and cook grits, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the grits, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the creamy Parmesan grits and top with the saucy smothered chicken thighs, spooning extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden skin.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for even heat distribution and better flavor development.
- Don't rush the chicken browning process—let the skin get truly crispy for maximum texture.
- Stir grits frequently to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- For extra richness, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb maximum flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the grits at their creamiest and the chicken at its most tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 220mg
