Are you craving a dish that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than this creamy chicken and grits recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's a delicious blend of savory chicken, creamy grits, and flavorful additions that will quickly become a family favorite. This healthy meal is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, proving that homemade cooking can be quick and delicious.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Grits:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup coarse ground grits
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
Making the Grits:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits and salt.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until grits are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in butter and cheddar cheese (if using) until melted and smooth.
Combining and Serving:
- To serve, spoon grits onto plates and top with creamy chicken.
- Garnish with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken, such as mushrooms, spinach, or corn.
- Cheese it up: Experiment with different types of cheese in the grits, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- For extra creamy grits, use milk or half-and-half instead of some of the water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This delicious and easy chicken and grits recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches. Enjoy!