Description
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and elegant dinner featuring seared chicken in a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, served over rich and creamy Parmesan rice. It’s a comforting, restaurant-style meal made easy for weeknights.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in milk or half-and-half and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Make the Chicken Scampi: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Deglaze with lemon juice and chicken broth or wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
- Serve chicken over the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon, if desired.
Notes
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.Add a splash of cream to the sauce for extra richness.Reheat leftovers gently with added broth or milk to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
