Description
Indulgent Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Delight is a savory and flavorful dish featuring succulent seared chicken breasts smothered in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan-infused long grain white rice. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness, fresh garlic, and bright lemon notes, ideal for a satisfying family meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Skinless, boneless)
- to taste Salt (Essential for seasoning)
- to taste Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with grapeseed oil)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Opt for unsalted)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh, minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Homemade or low-sodium)
Rice
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (Can substitute with quinoa)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (For cooking the rice)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated is best)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (For rice enrichment)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of long grain white rice with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to start the cooking process.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 minutes until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: Remove the rice from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly combined. Cover to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your taste and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic-lemon sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors and reheat the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the Parmesan garlic rice, top with the chicken breasts, and drizzle with the remaining garlic-lemon sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute long grain white rice with quinoa for a healthier grain alternative.
- Adjust the quantity of red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken broth can be homemade or store-bought low-sodium to control salt content.
- Keep the chicken warm after searing to ensure it stays juicy when combined with the sauce.
