Description
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a zesty, buttery dish featuring golden-seared chicken in a garlicky lemon sauce, served over creamy, cheesy rice. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, zest, and broth or wine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes more until well-coated and glossy.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes. Stir in rice and toast briefly.
- Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan, cream or milk (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chicken scampi over garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add peas or spinach to the rice for extra color and nutrition.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Pre-cooked rice can be used—simply sauté with garlic, then add cheese and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
