Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a zesty garlic lemon wine sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this meal combines vibrant flavors with comforting textures in just 45 minutes.
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken strips in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if using, scraping the skillet’s browned bits to incorporate flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Butter: Stir in unsalted butter until fully melted and blended into the sauce, creating a silky texture.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, toss to coat them in the sauce, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for freshness.
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the Dish: Divide the garlic Parmesan rice evenly among serving plates.
- Add Chicken on Top: Place the chicken scampi over the rice, spooning any extra sauce over both.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh parsley for garnish and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the white wine and increase the chicken broth by 1/4 cup.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
- To make the rice more creamy, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter along with the Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
- Ensure chicken strips are cut thin for faster, even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
