Description
Succulent chicken scampi dances with zesty garlic and lemon, nestled alongside creamy parmesan rice that whispers Italian coastal comfort. Crisp herbs and golden butter elevate this classic dish, inviting you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
Seasoning and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Rice Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan and melt butter over medium heat, introducing finely chopped garlic and sautéing briefly until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Incorporate rice into the butter-garlic mixture, ensuring each grain receives a luxurious coating, then introduce chicken broth, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate flavor profiles.
- Raise heat to initiate boiling, then immediately reduce to low, covering the pan to allow gentle simmering for approximately 15 minutes until liquid disappears completely.
- Once rice reaches perfect tenderness, remove from heat and delicately separate grains using a fork, creating a light, fluffy texture.
- Enhance the rice’s richness by folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant, chopped parsley, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and herbaceous notes.
- Allow the rice to rest, covered, while capturing residual warmth and allowing flavors to meld seamlessly, preparing for the accompanying chicken scampi.
Notes
- Quickly toast garlic in butter to release maximum aromatic flavors without burning, watching carefully during the 30-second sauté.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and ensure consistent cooking by not lifting the lid during simmering.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly onto the rice for more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged grated varieties.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg