Description
Succulent chicken scampi dances with luxurious garlic parmesan rice, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Creamy, zesty notes will draw diners into a culinary experience that promises comfort and elegance on one delightful plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup jasmine or long-grain rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan with chicken broth, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat. Introduce rice, reduce temperature to low, and cover. Allow rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbs and grains become tender.
- Remove rice from heat, gently separate grains with a fork, and incorporate butter. Set aside for later serving.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Generously season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform browning and complete cooking. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic and golden.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned fragments from skillet surface. Allow liquid to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Continue simmering 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with creamy sauce. Warm for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Plate creamy garlic Parmesan rice as a foundation, arranging chicken scampi on top. Optionally drizzle extra sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, ensuring the same rich flavor profile without meat.
- Toast rice briefly in butter before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and create a more complex taste experience.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender meat that absorbs sauce flavors more effectively.
- Reduce heavy cream and replace partially with Greek yogurt to lower calories while maintaining creamy texture and adding subtle tanginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 652 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg