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Delicious Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

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This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with rich, garlicky flavors. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Season them with salt and pepper. This step ensures every piece is flavorful and ready for cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (about 1-2 minutes), add the chicken. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through; avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to coat evenly.
  4. Add 5 minced cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the buttery garlic sauce. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of uncooked white rice. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice is slightly translucent and coated in garlic butter.
  7. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can affect the cooking process.
  8. Once the rice is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. To serve, plate a generous scoop of the creamy garlic parmesan rice and top it with the chicken scampi. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly. Gradually add the heavy cream to achieve the perfect creamy consistency in the rice. Toasting the rice with garlic enhances the flavor, and be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/delicious-chicken-scampi-with-creamy-garlic-parmesan-rice/