🍗 Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
🧄 Ingredients:
For the Chicken Scampi:
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or pounded flat)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
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1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
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1 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain)
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3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 tbsp butter or olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍽️ Instructions:
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Chicken Scampi
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Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the lemon juice and white wine (or broth). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Lower the heat and keep warm.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
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In a medium saucepan, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
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Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
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Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy.
🥗 To Serve:
Plate a generous scoop of garlic Parmesan rice and top with slices of scampi chicken. Spoon extra sauce over everything. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.