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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice: Your Weeknight Headline Meal

Golden seared chicken pieces served over creamy garlic parmesan rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
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Announce some good news tonight! This recipe delivers tender chicken scampi in a bright, buttery sauce served over rich, creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. It is an easy, one-pan friendly dinner that tastes like restaurant quality cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio or long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with broth)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dust the chicken lightly with flour, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Add the chicken broth and the rice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese into the rice mixture. Stir constantly until the rice becomes creamy.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Notes

  • For the creamiest Garlic Parmesan Rice, use Arborio rice, which releases more starch during cooking.
  • If you skip the wine, add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth when you add the liquid to the rice.
  • You can prepare this as a one-pan meal by adding the chicken back in right before the cream and cheese go in, allowing everything to finish cooking together.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/chicken-scampi-with-garlic-parmesan-rice-easy/