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Juicy chicken scampi paired with creamy garlic parmesan rice is comfort food at its very best. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-style meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. The vibrant mix of lemon garlic and tender chicken meets rich cheesy rice for a dish that never fails to gather everyone at the table.
The first time I made this, my family nearly licked their plates clean and it instantly became a regular request at our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking
- Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps brown the chicken Look for a fruity extra virgin oil
- Butter: Brings richness to both chicken and rice Use a high quality unsalted butter for the best flavor
- Fresh garlic: Minced for intense aroma and depth Always use fresh for the brightest taste
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color Pick one that feels heavy and has glossy skin
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors Sea salt enhances natural flavors without bitterness
- Black pepper: Lends a mild kick and balances richness Use freshly ground for best taste
- Garlic powder: Deepens garlic notes without overpowering Choose a pure variety without fillers
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes Look for a fine powder to blend smoothly
- Italian seasoning: Adds herbal brightness A blend with oregano basil and thyme is ideal
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Completely optional but gives gentle heat Only a little is needed
- Fresh lemon juice: Balances all the richness with acidity Roll the lemon before juicing for max flavor
- Fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of color and freshness Flat leaf parsley is preferred
- Long grain white rice: Stays fluffy and absorbs flavor well Rinse before cooking to remove starch
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium for control of flavor Homemade or high quality store bought works well
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings creamy salty punch to the rice Fresh grated melts best
- You can add extra parsley for a brighter finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt and Sauté Aromatics:
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about thirty seconds until fragrant This brings out the garlics sweetness and builds the base for the rice
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the rice to the pot with the garlicky butter Stir constantly for one to two minutes to coat every grain This helps the rice cook up fluffy and aromatic
- Add Broth and Cook Rice:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil Reduce heat to low cover and let it simmer for eighteen to twenty minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed Do not stir while simmering so the rice cooks evenly
- Finish the Rice:
- Remove the pot from the heat Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to your taste Cover and set aside to let the flavors meld
- Brown the Chicken:
- While the rice cooks heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high Season the chicken with salt pepper garlic powder onion powder and Italian seasoning Arrange the chicken in the skillet and cook four to five minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through Proper browning locks in moisture
- Sauté Veggies and Garlic:
- Add minced garlic yellow bell pepper and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the chicken Sauté for three to four minutes until the peppers are soft and garlic is fragrant Stir often to avoid burning the garlic
- Add Lemon Juice and Toss:
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice over the chicken and veggies Toss everything in the skillet together so every piece gets coated in zesty sauce Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates Top with the chicken scampi mixture Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if you like Serve right away for the best texture
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My favorite part is adding a big squeeze of fresh lemon at the end It brings all the creamy cheesy richness alive and turns every bite into something bright and special My kids love sprinkling on extra Parmesan at the table for a little ritual we all enjoy now
Storage Tips
Let everything cool completely before storing Place leftovers in airtight containers and keep refrigerated for up to four days For best results store chicken and rice separately so reheating keeps textures perfect You can freeze for up to one month Thaw in fridge before reheating gently in a pan with a splash of broth
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier bite Try using brown rice just increase the cooking time and liquid For extra veggies add chopped spinach or zucchini to the skillet If you only have dried parsley use just a pinch for garnish
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a colorful plate Warm garlic bread or a simple baguette makes it feel like restaurant fare For a lighter meal serve over a bed of arugula and let the rice soak up any extra juices
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Simple Story of Italian Inspiration
Chicken scampi is a twist on classic shrimp scampi with roots in Italian American kitchens It combines the bright flavors of garlic and lemon with tender chicken in place of the traditional seafood The creamy rice brings comfort reminiscent of family Sunday dinners always aiming to bring everyone together at the table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Cook chicken on medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to keep it tender.
- → What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Toasting rice with garlic and butter before simmering enhances nutty flavor and prevents mushiness.
- → Can I substitute the bell pepper?
Yes, try red bell peppers for sweetness or even zucchini for a twist in flavor and texture.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- → What are good garnishes for serving?
Fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese brighten the flavors and enhance presentation.
- → Is low-sodium chicken broth necessary?
While not required, it helps control saltiness and allows better adjustment of seasonings to taste.