Description
A quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic sauce served over fluffy long-grain rice. This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4–5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water/broth in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. If thick, pound to even thickness.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Slice chicken and return to the skillet to warm through, or serve on top of rice. Spoon sauce over chicken and rice, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken is completely dry before searing for a better crust. Do not burn the garlic as it will turn bitter. If the sauce breaks, whisk in cold water or cream off heat. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 40
Keywords: chicken scampi, creamy garlic chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, one pan dinner, garlic chicken, rice recipes, quick meals