Description
Succulent chicken scampi dances with zesty lemon and garlic, nestled on a bed of creamy parmesan rice. Comfort meets elegance in this Italian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (large, cut into thin strips)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Aromatic Garlic Base: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic until its enticing fragrance fills the kitchen, releasing intense flavor within moments.
- Rice Preparation: Introduce rice into the buttery garlic mixture, thoroughly coating each grain, then pour in chicken broth, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a vigorous boil, immediately cover, and reduce heat to low, allowing the rice to simmer and absorb liquid for approximately 15 minutes until perfectly tender.
- Final Flavor Enhancement: Remove rice from heat, delicately fluff with a fork to separate grains, then fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Cover and let the residual warmth meld the flavors while preparing the accompanying chicken scampi.
- Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing seasoned chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior, creating a crisp and flavorful crust.
- Aromatic Sauce Creation: Reduce heat, introduce minced garlic and white wine to the skillet, allowing the liquid to slightly reduce and intensify the pan’s existing flavors. Add lemon juice, butter, and herbs to create a luxurious, silky sauce coating the chicken.
- Final Assembly: Gently combine seared chicken with the prepared garlic Parmesan rice, ensuring each component is thoroughly heated and beautifully intertwined with the vibrant, herb-infused sauce.
Notes
- Toast garlic gently to release aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste. Use medium-low heat and stir constantly for perfect flavor development.
- Measure broth precisely to prevent soggy or dry rice. Use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that absorb flavors beautifully.
- Add Parmesan after removing rice from heat to maintain its smooth texture and prevent graininess. Fold gently to distribute cheese evenly without breaking rice grains.
- Chop parsley just before adding to preserve vibrant color and maximize fresh, bright flavor. Add herbs at the last moment to retain maximum nutritional value and aromatic qualities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg