Description
This Chicken Scampi is loaded with tender, pan-seared chicken in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce, served over creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made with simple ingredients in under an hour!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- Sauté Garlic – In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice – Add the rice, stir to coat, then pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese – Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Cover and let sit while preparing the chicken.
Make the Chicken Scampi:
- Season & Cook the Chicken – In a bowl, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt the butter and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Dish – Stir in heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve – Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Rice onto plates, top with chicken, and drizzle with the scampi sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Creamy Option: The heavy cream makes it richer, but it’s delicious without it too.
- Rice Substitutes: Try orzo, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.