Description
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts served over a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan rice. This comforting dish combines the bright flavors of lemon and fresh parsley with a luscious blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, making it an easy yet elegant dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Rice and Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Finishing Touches
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat slightly, then add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Coat the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to fully coat the rice in the garlic butter mixture for added flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook the rice for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, mixing well to create a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
- Reintroduce Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice. Cover and heat for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking with lemon juice and garlic.
- If you prefer lower fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Make sure to stir the rice occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the skillet.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice, One-Pan Dinner, Chicken Breasts, Creamy Rice, Italian Inspired
