Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce served over creamy garlic Parmesan rice. It’s an easy stovetop meal perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Scampi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup dry white cooking wine or additional chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and white wine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the scampi sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and keep warm.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Rice: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in chicken broth and add salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Plate the chicken scampi over the garlic Parmesan rice and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add more Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the scampi sauce a few extra minutes before returning the chicken to the pan.
- Use a dry white wine or substitute extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before adding Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
