Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: For the best flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you want a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken could work too. Just heat it through in the sauce.

White Wine: Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth is a great substitute. Always choose the best quality broth for better flavor.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that rich taste. If you’re in a pinch, pre-minced garlic can be a time-saver, but fresh is always better in terms of flavor!

Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the creaminess it adds to the rice. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a similar option. Grated cheese in a pinch is acceptable, but it doesn’t melt the same.

How Do You Get That Perfect Garlic Flavor in the Scampi?

To unlock the flavor of garlic without burning it, timing is everything. Start by sautéing it in butter at medium heat. Here’s the step-by-step:

• After cooking the chicken, use the same skillet to capture all those yummy flavors.
• Heat the butter until it foams but doesn’t brown, then add minced garlic.
• Sauté for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it; once you smell that rich aroma, it’s ready to move on!
• Next, quickly add your liquid (white wine or broth) to prevent the garlic from burning.

Lowering the heat as needed ensures garlic stays fragrant and soft, bringing your dish to life.

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in about 40 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s nice and fragrant. Next, stir in the rice, coating each grain with the buttery garlic goodness. Now, pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, take it off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, cover again, and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

While the rice is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer; let it cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce:

Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), and gently scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen all those tasty browned bits (that’s flavor!). Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Now, stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Return the chicken back to the skillet, tossing it well to coat in that delicious sauce.

4. Serve:

To serve, place a generous scoop of the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates. Top it with the chicken scampi and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Feel free to garnish with more parsley or some additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and relish this delightful dish!

This chicken scampi pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy your cooking!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer.

Can I Substitute the White Wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works wonderfully as a substitute! It’ll keep the flavor rich and delicious.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if necessary.

Can I Make the Rice Ahead of Time?

Definitely! You can prepare the garlic Parmesan rice ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.