Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

why make this recipe

This dish is simple, fast, and full of flavor. The chicken is seared and bathed in a lemon garlic sauce. The rice is creamy with garlic and parmesan. It makes a full, warm meal that many people like.

introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice mixes bright lemon, butter, and garlic with tender chicken and cheesy rice. If you enjoy bold garlic and parmesan flavors, check this similar option for a crispy twist on garlic-parmesan chicken: crispy garlic parmesan chicken wings.

how to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

You will season and sear the chicken first. Then you make a quick lemon-garlic pan sauce and return the chicken to warm in the sauce. For the rice, you toast garlic in butter, cook the rice in chicken broth, then stir in parmesan and parsley. Finally, serve the chicken on the rice and spoon sauce over it.

Ingredients :

• 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)
• 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

Directions :

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 3 tablespoons butter and 4 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté briefly.
7. Stir in 1 cup white rice and toast for 1 minute.
8. Add 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
9. Remove rice from heat. Stir in ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
10. Serve chicken over rice with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

how to serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Place a scoop of the garlic parmesan rice on each plate. Put a cooked chicken breast on top of the rice. Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken and rice. Add extra parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.

how to store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until hot.

tips to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
• Do not overcook the garlic or it will taste bitter.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Stir the rice once after cooking and let it sit covered a few minutes for a fluffier texture.
• Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper at the end if needed.

variation (if any)

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Add a splash of white wine with the chicken broth for more depth.
• Stir in spinach to the rice at the end for extra greens.
• Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the cooking time and broth ratio.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Thaw them fully first, then pat dry and follow the recipe.

Q: Can I make the rice ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the rice, cool it, and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Q: Can I reduce the butter or use oil instead?
A: You can reduce butter or use olive oil for part of it, but butter adds the classic scampi taste.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Not by default. You can add red pepper flakes to make it spicy.

Q: Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
A: Yes. If you use low-sodium broth, taste and add salt as needed.

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