Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty garlic-lemon sauce. Paired with creamy parmesan rice, it makes for a perfect meal any night of the week.

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 (for rice)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (for rice)
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for rice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Add lemon zest and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
6. Step 6: In a separate medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly until fragrant.
7. Step 7: Add 1 cup white rice to the saucepan and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Step 8: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Step 9: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley until well combined.
10. Step 10: Serve the cooked chicken over the garlic parmesan rice. Spoon additional sauce from the skillet over the top and garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if using.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• Swap the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
• To ensure juicy chicken, avoid overcooking and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken moist, cover it with a bit of sauce during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and parmesan cheese.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious and flavorful dinner recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served over rich and creamy garlic parmesan rice. It’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic in Butter: Lower the heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. Stir in the lemon zest and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
5. Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them, and let them simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Prepare Garlic Parmesan Rice – Sauté Garlic: In a separate medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
7. Toast the Rice: Add the white rice to the saucepan and stir continuously for about 1 minute to lightly toast the grains.
8. Cook the Rice: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Finish the Rice: Remove the rice from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until well combined.
10. Serve: Plate the garlic parmesan rice and top with the chicken breasts. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and red pepper flakes as desired.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or serve with freshly cracked black pepper.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
• Parmesan cheese adds richness to the rice; use freshly grated cheese for best results.
• Leftover rice and chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently.

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

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Skillet Chicken