Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Rice is a comforting and elegant one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection, infused with a rich, garlicky, and buttery Parmesan sauce. The creamy white rice absorbs the savory broth and cheese flavors, enhanced by a fresh squeeze of lemon and a garnish of parsley. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a sophisticated weekend dinner, offering a harmonious blend of protein, carbs, and sauce in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
Flavorings and Fats
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Take care not to burn the garlic, as this can create a bitter taste.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed white rice to the pan with the garlic, stirring to coat each grain with the buttery garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, stir once, then cover the pan. Reduce heat to low and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- Combine and Finish: Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until creamy. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, add them back into the pan, and gently mix everything until well combined and heated through.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Grate Parmesan cheese yourself for better melting and taste; avoid pre-grated varieties with anti-caking agents.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks to ensure even softness and proper absorption of broth.
- Use good quality butter and low-sodium or homemade chicken broth to better control saltiness.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup with chicken
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg