Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken tenderloins – Boneless and skinless for quick cooking; season well for maximum flavor.; Salt and pepper – Basic yet essential for seasoning.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle layer of garlic flavor to the chicken.; 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken to a golden brown.; 1 stick butter (divided) – Adds rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor to the rice.; 2 tablespoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic is key here, infusing the dish with robust flavor.; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – A pinch of heat for a bit of extra depth.; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided) – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned dish.; 1/2 cup dry white wine – Deglazes the pan and adds a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the butter and Parmesan.; 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice – Absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce, wine, and broth.; 3 cups chicken broth – Provides a savory base for cooking the rice, adding flavor and depth.; 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese – Melts beautifully into the rice, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. chicken tenderloins – Boneless and skinless for quick cooking; season well for maximum flavor.
Salt and pepper – Basic yet essential for seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle layer of garlic flavor to the chicken.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
1 stick butter (divided) – Adds rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor to the rice.
2 tablespoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic is key here, infusing the dish with robust flavor.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – A pinch of heat for a bit of extra depth.
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided) – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
1/2 cup dry white wine – Deglazes the pan and adds a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the butter and Parmesan.
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice – Absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce, wine, and broth.
3 cups chicken broth – Provides a savory base for cooking the rice, adding flavor and depth.
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese – Melts beautifully into the rice, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency.

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Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Seasoning: Start by seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to add a layer of flavor that will seep into the rice later.
Searing the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken tenderloins. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Sautéing Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1/2 of the butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté the garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn to avoid a bitter taste.
Adding White Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the dry white wine, stirring vigorously to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the chicken. Let the wine mixture reduce by half, which should take around 5 minutes. This step intensifies the sauce, adding a slight tang from the wine.
Reserving Sauce: Once reduced, set aside 2 tablespoons of this sauce for drizzling over the finished dish.

Step 3: Toast the Rice and Simmer

Toasting the Rice: Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet with the remaining butter. Stir for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors from the pan.
Adding Chicken Broth and Cooking the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally during the first 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Adding Parmesan: Once the rice is tender, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, stirring gently to melt the cheese into the rice.
Plating the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken tenderloins on top of the rice. Drizzle the reserved 2 tablespoons of garlic-butter sauce over the chicken and rice for added flavor.
Finishing Touches: Cover the skillet, remove it from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and ensures a creamy consistency.
Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, garnish with more Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Substituting the White Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth for a milder flavor. A splash of lemon juice can also add brightness without the wine.
Rice Variations: Jasmine or Basmati rice work well for a fragrant twist, while Arborio rice will create an extra creamy, risotto-like texture.
Adding Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding a handful of spinach, diced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes when cooking the rice.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

Author: Paula Susan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes