Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dinner recipe featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, served alongside creamy garlic parmesan rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, the dish balances savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors with a touch of spice from red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Scampi
- 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)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat dry the boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the skillet to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Stir in lemon zest and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add white rice and toast for about a minute to add depth of flavor. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Finalize Rice: Remove lid from rice, fluff with a fork, then stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Serve: Plate the garlic parmesan rice, top with the chicken breasts, and spoon over the garlic lemon butter sauce. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Notes
- Best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers; reheat chicken and rice separately to maintain quality.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to spice preference or omit for a mild flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for better melt and taste.
- Ensure rice is fully covered during simmering to cook evenly without drying out.
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Comfort Food, easy recipes, Garlic Parmesan Rice, weeknight dinner
