Get ready for a dish that’s pure magic on a plate! Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice combines tender, garlicky chicken swimming in a buttery lemon sauce with the rich, cheesy comfort of Parmesan-infused rice. It’s like a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up at home, and trust me, it’s going to become one of those recipes you keep coming back to again and again. Imagine the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filling your kitchen—yeah, it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients — it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dish fits every occasion perfectly. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts, and pairs well with a variety of veggies or salads.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and chicken, no fancy ingredients needed.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with straightforward steps.
Customizable: Add extra herbs, spice it up with chili flakes, or swap chicken for shrimp if you want.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The creamy, garlicky flavors are universally loved.
Ingredients in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Here’s what makes this dish sing:
Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy, and the star protein.
Garlic: Loads of it, because garlic is life.
Butter: For that rich, luscious sauce everyone dreams about.
Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy pop.
White wine (optional): Adds depth and a subtle fruity note to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice, creating creamy, cheesy goodness.
Long-grain rice: The perfect canvas to soak up all the flavors.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness.
Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceousness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing all the flavors perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, getting ready to sear that chicken to golden perfection.
Combine Ingredients: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Use a large saucepan for the rice, and a skillet for the chicken and sauce, so everything cooks evenly.
Assemble the Dish: Deglaze the skillet with lemon juice and white wine (if using), then stir in butter and chicken broth. Return chicken to the pan to soak up the sauce. Meanwhile, cook rice in chicken broth until tender, then stir in Parmesan and parsley.
Cook to Perfection: Simmer the chicken in the sauce for a few minutes to meld flavors. Let the rice absorb all that cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Finishing Touches: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley over the top before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken alongside a generous helping of garlic Parmesan rice and enjoy the comforting, bright, buttery flavors together.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~520
(Note: Approximate values)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For a more indulgent meal, add some crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken — it stays juicy when cooked just until no longer pink inside.
- If you prefer, swap chicken for shrimp to make a classic shrimp scampi twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Save leftover sauce to drizzle over steamed veggies or pasta later.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but cook times and liquid amounts will differ—adjust accordingly.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
Use extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for a similar acidity.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook chicken and rice separately, then combine and reheat gently.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check other ingredients.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to a month.
7. Can I add vegetables to the scampi?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work great.
8. How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
9. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
10. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch—use less to avoid bitterness.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a dreamy blend of bright, buttery, and cheesy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you want to feel fancy without fuss. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to comfort meal!
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken scampi served over creamy garlic parmesan rice, combining tender chicken with a buttery garlic sauce and cheesy rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (for rice)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and half the minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and heat for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.
- Meanwhile, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and half the remaining garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve chicken scampi over garlic parmesan rice and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- White wine adds depth but can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1 cup rice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg