Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts glazed in a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, butter, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Served atop fragrant garlic Parmesan rice cooked in chicken broth, this dish balances comforting flavors with a touch of brightness. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner that can be prepared in under an hour.
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 the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add 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 chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and use a spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Rice: Meanwhile, cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions, substituting the water with low-sodium chicken broth to add extra flavor.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Allow them to simmer together for 5 minutes so the chicken can absorb the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates, place the chicken breasts on top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature).
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Cooking rice in chicken broth instead of water adds depth to the rice’s flavor.
- For added zest, sprinkle a little extra lemon juice just before serving.
