Description

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe offers a delightful combination of tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, served over flavorful garlic-infused parmesan rice. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner, this dish balances vibrant citrus and savory parmesan notes for an irresistible meal.

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 they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits for extra flavor. Add lemon zest and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let them simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to infuse flavor.
Prepare Garlic Butter for Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic.
Toast the Rice: Add the white rice to the saucepan and stir well, toasting it for about 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
Cook the Rice: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to create a creamy, flavorful rice side.
Serve: Plate the garlic parmesan rice, place the chicken breasts on top, then spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat and color.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless thighs if you prefer a juicier meat.
If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Allow the rice to rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to become fluffier before serving.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Lemon Chicken, Quick Dinner, Skillet Chicken, Easy Weeknight Meal