Description
A deliciously flavorful Chicken Scampi served over creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. Tender seared chicken breasts are simmered in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce, perfectly complemented by fragrant parmesan-infused rice.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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 the 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 the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the 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 cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add 3 tablespoons of butter along with minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and make sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the lemon zest and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to develop flavor.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the rice base: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the white rice and toast it for about 1 minute to enhance its nuttiness.
- Cook the rice: Add 2 cups of chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer the rice for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Finish the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to add richness and freshness.
- Serve: Plate the garlic parmesan rice and top with the chicken breasts. Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken, garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of heavy cream into the sauce before serving.
- Leftover rice and chicken reheat well for easy next-day meals.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Lemon Chicken, One Pan Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Garlic Butter Chicken
