Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe features tender chicken strips cooked in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, paired perfectly with fluffy rice infused with parmesan and garlic flavors. It’s a delightful and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Scampi
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken strips in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if using, scraping the skillet’s browned bits to incorporate flavorful fond into the sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in unsalted butter until fully melted and combined, creating a rich, silky sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing to coat them thoroughly in the sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for brightness.
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Finish Rice: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the garlic Parmesan rice evenly among serving plates.
- Top and Garnish: Place the chicken scampi over the rice and spoon extra sauce from the skillet on top. Garnish each plate with additional chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- White wine is optional; you can substitute with additional chicken broth if preferred or avoid alcohol.
- Using fresh parsley enhances the dish’s brightness; dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable, but add earlier in cooking for better flavor integration.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
