Southern Grill Dinner: Fire-Roasted Chicken & Smoky Grits

Southern Grill Dinner: Fire-Roasted Chicken & Smoky Grits

Discover a delicious copycat recipe for Southern Fire-Roasted Chicken & Smoky Grits that brings the taste of a famous street food classic to your home kitchen.

Time: Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 30 min
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Southern

Allergens

Dairy, Wheat

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 cups water 1 cup stone
  • ground corn grits 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season with salt.
  2. Add grits and cook for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low and cook for another 8 10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove grits from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, butter, and spices until fully incorporated. Cover and set aside.
  4. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for 6 7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Chef’s Insight

To add a bit more smoke flavor to the dish, try using hickory wood chips on the grill or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the chicken marinade.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed bell peppers or collard greens.

Cultural or Historical Background

This recipe is inspired by the Southern street-food classic "Fire-Roasted Chicken," which has been enjoyed at tailgates and gatherings across the South for generations.