Description: A delightful and comforting dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or substitute with additional chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cook the Rice: While preparing the chicken, get the rice cooking. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rice, water, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this can release steam and affect the cooking time.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C). Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet used to sear the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Pour in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Finish the Dish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each breast is coated with the flavorful mixture. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in most of the fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: Once the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the rice. The Parmesan cheese will add a creamy texture and a rich, cheesy flavor to the rice.
Step 7: Serve: To serve, spoon a generous portion of the garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate. Top with a seared chicken breast, and drizzle the flavorful scampi sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of the savory chicken, the rich garlic butter sauce, and the creamy Parmesan rice creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Impressive: Despite its simplicity, this dish is elegant enough to serve to guests.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add different vegetables to the sauce or use different types of cheese in the rice.
- Comfort Food: This dish is incredibly comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect meal to enjoy on a cold day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is also a great accompaniment to this dish.
- For a more complete meal, serve with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.
Tips:
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or rotisserie chicken.
- If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the chicken or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, be sure to sear it over high heat and not overcook it in the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 50-60g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a fantastic dish that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner that feels special, or for impressing guests with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy rice perfectly complements the tender chicken and flavorful garlic butter sauce. This recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the comforting flavors and satisfying textures of this delightful dish!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Generally, brown rice requires about 45-50 minutes of simmering time. Also, the texture will be different; brown rice is chewier than white rice.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet and prepare the rice. It’s best to make the rice fresh for the best texture, but you can also reheat it in the microwave if needed.
- What vegetables would go well with this dish?
- Many vegetables pair well with Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Some great options include steamed broccoli, asparagus, green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted bell peppers and zucchini. Choose vegetables that you enjoy and that complement the flavors of the dish.
- Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
- Yes, you can easily substitute shrimp for chicken in this recipe. Simply use about 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and cook it in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute for the butter and omitting the Parmesan cheese in the rice. You can also use nutritional yeast in the rice for a cheesy flavor alternative. Ensure that your chicken broth is also dairy-free.
