Experience a delightful blend of tender chicken and rich, flavorful rice with this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice dish. The perfectly seared chicken breasts bathed in a tangy lemon-butter scampi sauce create a stunning centerpiece, complemented by creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan rice.
This meal effortlessly combines simplicity and elegance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when hosting guests who appreciate comfort food with a gourmet touch.
- Quick and straightforward to prepare, perfect for any night of the week.
- Aromatic garlic and zesty lemon elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Comforting, creamy parmesan rice pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
- Customizable with optional heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, easy-to-cook chicken pieces that sear perfectly for a juicy finish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness while helping to create a golden crust on the chicken.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky undertone and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Butter: Rich and creamy, essential for the scampi sauce and rice base.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses both the sauce and rice with vibrant, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful base for both the sauce and rice, enhancing moisture and depth.
- Lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the richness of butter and parmesan.
- Lemon zest: Adds intense citrus fragrance and flavor punch.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh herb for a burst of color and subtle earthiness in the final dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Lightly spicy addition to kick up the flavor as desired.
- White rice: The creamy base cooked with garlic and parmesan for a luscious side.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Offers nutty richness and creamy texture to the rice.
Instructions
- Season the chicken
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Pat the chicken breasts dry, then evenly sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika over both sides. This seasoning blend enhances flavor and stimulates a beautiful golden crust during searing.
- Sear the chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Removing the chicken afterwards helps retain juiciness while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the garlic butter scampi sauce
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Lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn it to keep the sauce smooth and flavorful.
- Deglaze and simmer the sauce
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Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the skillet bottom to release browned bits packed with flavor. Add lemon zest and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify taste.
- Return chicken to the sauce
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Place the seared chicken back in the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors and keep the chicken moist.
- Cook garlic parmesan rice
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In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in white rice, toasting it for 1 minute to deepen its flavor and texture.
- Simmer the rice
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Add chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and tender, absorbing all the savory broth.
- Finish the rice
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Remove from heat, stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. This enrichment adds creamy texture and fresh herbal notes to complement the chicken.
- Serve the dish
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Plate the parmesan rice and top with the chicken breasts. Spoon the garlic lemon-butter sauce over the top, garnishing with extra parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to seal in moisture.
- Fresh garlic and parmesan cheese really make a difference in flavor depth.
- Skip or adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve moisture and flavor. The rice tends to thicken, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to add brightness and balance. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony garlic sauce perfectly.
- Use room temperature chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Toast the rice before simmering for enhanced nutty flavor and better texture.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce for an extra luscious finish if desired.
- Deglazing the pan is key to capturing all browned bits, adding rich depth to the sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier and will require slightly less cooking time.
- What type of rice works best for this recipe?
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Long grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks fluffy and absorbs the broth well. Avoid sticky or short grain varieties for best results.
- Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
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Absolutely, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
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Cook garlic on low to medium heat and watch closely. Garlic burns quickly, which can cause bitterness, so stirring continuously helps.
- Is it okay to make the rice ahead of time?
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It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the rice in advance. Reheat gently with a little broth to restore creaminess.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
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Yes, steamed or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or spinach complement the flavors and make a complete meal.
- What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh parmesan?
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Pre-grated or shredded parmesan will work, but fresh grated has superior flavor and texture.
Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- 1 medium saucepan for cooking rice
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup chicken broth plus 2 cups for rice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley divided
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 garlic cloves minced (for rice)
- 1 cup white rice
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the skillet bottom to deglaze. Add lemon zest and simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly.
- Stir in white rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove rice from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
- Serve chicken breasts over the garlic parmesan rice, spoon sauce on top, and garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to retain moisture.
- Use fresh garlic and parmesan for best flavor.
- Add cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
