Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice combines tender, golden-brown chicken strips cooked in a flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce with a creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and elegant, infused with fresh parsley and zesty lemon for a bright, savory finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the 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
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and optional white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully combined into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly with the garlic lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to incorporate the cheese evenly.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the garlic Parmesan rice on plates, topping each with the chicken scampi and its sauce. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired, adding a fresh herbal note to the dish.
Notes
- White wine is optional; you can substitute with more chicken broth if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter to control sodium levels.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- If you want a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be swapped with basil or cilantro for different herbaceous notes.
