Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts bathed in a buttery garlic lemon sauce, served atop fragrant garlic-infused rice mixed with savory Parmesan cheese. It combines Italian-inspired flavors with simple cooking techniques, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
For Chicken Scampi
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and prepare for searing.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the skillet’s heat and add the butter and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and release any browned bits. Add the lemon zest and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to develop flavor.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Garlic Rice – Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic but not browned.
- Toast Rice: Add the white rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it in the garlic butter. Toast the rice for about 1 minute, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Cook Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish Rice: Remove the rice from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a creamy and flavorful finish.
- Serve: Plate the garlic Parmesan rice and place the chicken breasts on top. Spoon the garlic lemon sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure not to burn garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- If you prefer, substitute white rice with brown rice but increase cook time accordingly.
- Leftover sauce can be drizzled over vegetables or pasta for extra flavor.
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Chicken Breast Recipe, Lemon Garlic Chicken, Easy Dinner, One Pan Chicken, Italian Inspired
