Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, 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; 1 cup white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and served over creamy garlic parmesan rice. This recipe is simple yet packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.

The dish shows three grilled chicken pieces with a golden brown top, placed over a bed of creamy, light green herb rice mixed with small bits of red and green. The chicken pieces are covered in a yellowish creamy sauce with visible herbs and some small red pepper pieces scattered around. The rice is fluffy and fills the plate, surrounding the chicken evenly. The food is served on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, 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 the rice)
1 cup white rice
2 cups chicken broth (for the rice)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for rice garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in lemon zest and simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop the sauce.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: To make the garlic parmesan rice, melt butter in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
Step 7: Add white rice and toast for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 8: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
Step 9: Remove lid, fluff the rice, then mix in parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Step 10: Plate the garlic parmesan rice, top with chicken and spoon over extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
For a creamier rice, stir in a little cream or milk along with the parmesan cheese.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit if preferred.

Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice separately to maintain the best texture. Microwave or reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a dish with three golden-brown grilled chicken pieces on the left side, each piece slightly charred with visible herbs like chopped parsley sprinkled on top. Beneath the chicken is a light yellow creamy sauce with small red bits scattered through it. On the right side of the plate, there is a mound of white rice mixed with small green herbs, adding a bit of color and texture contrast to the dish. The image looks bright and cozy, with steam rising gently from the warm food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and check package instructions.

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and rice ahead, but the sauce is best made fresh to keep flavors bright. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.