Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a zesty garlic lemon sauce, served over creamy parmesan-infused rice. The dish balances the richness of butter and parmesan with the brightness of fresh lemon and parsley, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth, then simmer the sauce gently to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook rice: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, cook the white rice using the remaining chicken broth according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in the parmesan cheese, a small amount of butter, chopped fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper for a creamy and flavorful finish.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet with the reduced garlic lemon sauce. Warm through, coating the chicken well with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic parmesan rice and top with the sliced chicken. Spoon any remaining pan sauce over the dish and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired for an appealing finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the rice.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied for faster cooking if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
