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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Rice

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Rice

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Rice is a quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy long grain rice, and a creamy buttery garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this flavorful dish blends rich garlic, fresh Parmesan, and bright lemon for a comforting, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Seasoning & Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons more butter and toss in the minced fresh garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This infuses the base of your sauce with robust garlic flavor.
  3. Cook the Rice: Pour in the uncooked long grain rice, stirring gently to toast it slightly in the buttery garlic. This enhances the nutty aroma and coats the rice evenly.
  4. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
  5. Stir in Parmesan and Chicken: Once the rice is cooked, fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked chicken pieces. Stir gently to melt the cheese and incorporate the chicken, creating the creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Rice texture.
  6. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor—avoid garlic powders or pre-minced alternatives.
  • Toast the rice before cooking to add depth and prevent mushiness.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to ensure smooth melting and superior texture.
  • Be careful with the amount of broth added to avoid a soupy dish or burning—follow quantities and monitor as it simmers.
  • Let the rice rest covered off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to absorb flavors evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Chicken Scampi, One-Pan Dinner, Creamy Garlic Rice, Easy Chicken Recipes, Meal Prep Chicken, Gluten-Free Dinner