Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Served over a bed of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, this recipe combines rich textures and zesty lemon notes for a delightful family dinner that’s ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in the heavy cream, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the brown bits stuck to the pan; these add flavor to the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Lemon: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook Rice: While preparing the sauce, cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions, substituting chicken broth for water to impart extra flavor.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy chicken scampi over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer extra garlic flavor, add a minced clove to the rice while cooking.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; dried parsley can be used but should be added sparingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
