Amaretto Chicken and Rice

This Amaretto Chicken and Rice dish is ready in less than 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With the juice of a fresh lemon and a splash (or two or three) of Amaretto, this recipe brings the flavor.

Chicken Amaretto Ingredients

I love Amaretto liqueur. It makes the tastiest cocktails, breakfast, desserts and even dinner. A small quarter cup of Amaretto takes this basic chicken recipe and turns it into a delicious lunch or dinner.

I picked up a bottle of Amaretto after beach vacation so I’m is putting it to good use in the kitchen. Check out a couple other recipes featuring Amaretto at the end of this post.

• 4-6 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
• 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• Rice, cooked as directed

Chicken Amaretto resembles a quick Chinese-inspired dinner served over cooked rice. The cool part is that it’s customizable. If you don’t like mushrooms, then go ahead and replace them with another veggie. Try water chestnuts of bell peppers. Cashews would also be a welcome addition.

What is amaretto chicken?

This Amaretto Chicken and Rice recipe is from The Working Cook cookbook. This dish is a great option for those chicken breasts that you start at in the refrigerator as you try and decide what is for dinner.

Amaretto chicken is a quick dish that is similar to something from the local Americanized-Chinese restaurant. The chicken gets sautéed with mushrooms in butter, Amaretto, lemon juice and chicken broth. The sauce thickens to form a sweet and tasty dinner served over cooked rice.

How to Make Chicken flavored with Amaretto

Step by Step Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry using paper towels; cut into 1 inch strips.
2. Mix garlic powder, salt, pepper and flour; toss chicken pieces in flour to coat.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add chicken and brown, stirring occasionally.
4. Add mushrooms, Amaretto, lemon juice and zested rind. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix together chicken broth and cornstarch; add to chicken, stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Serve over cooked rice.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

• Substitute onion powder for garlic powder.
• Add other herbs or spices to the flour mixture.
• Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil, if desired.
• Make it more of a curry by adding curry powder.
• Don’t like mushrooms? Use different veggies that meet your tastes. Try bell peppers, celery, carrots, edamame, etc.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
• Use your favorite Chinese food ingredients! Add cashews or water chestnuts for crunch.
• Substitute lime juice for lemon juice.

Want more Amaretto recipes?

Don’t let that bottle of Amaretto sit on the shelf after you make this chicken. Make yourself a drink and some breakfast!

Amaretto Pina Colada

Amaretto French Toast

Poke Cake-Amaretto Style

Amaretto Sugar Cream Pie

Our Favorite Chicken Recipes

We love using chicken in any and all forms – canned, skinless/boneless, bone-in and rotisserie. They are all great to use to make sandwiches, pasta, casserole, salads and more!

• 3-Ingredient Chicken Salad
• 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Legs
• Baked Spanish Chicken and Rice
• Easy Grilled Chicken
• Cashew Chicken Casserole
• Chicken with Rice and Queso
• Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad