When it comes to satisfying meals that are both easy to make and bursting with flavor, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice tops the list. This recipe combines tender chicken strips bathed in a savory sauce with a side of aromatic garlic Parmesan rice. Perfect for a family dinner or a special weekend treat, here’s how you can recreate this culinary delight in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice because it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is tender and flavorful, coated in a sauce that’s both rich and tangy. The garlic Parmesan rice is the ideal complement, adding an aromatic and cheesy base that ties everything together. It’s a meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend feasts.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions:
Preparing the Chicken:
Season and Sear: Start by seasoning your chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Creating the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
Finishing Touch: Stir in unsalted butter until melted and well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it in the flavorful sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
Cooking the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Adding Flavor: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
To Serve:
Plate It: Divide the garlic Parmesan rice among plates or bowls.
Top It: Arrange chicken scampi over the rice and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and rice.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Protein Swap: If I want to switch up the protein, I can use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. The scampi sauce will complement the shrimp beautifully.
Rice Substitution: For a low-carb option, I can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice, which still absorbs the sauce but has fewer carbs.
Add Veggies: To make the dish even more nutritious, I can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the chicken scampi.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The garlic Parmesan rice can be a little firm when refrigerated, but it will still taste delicious when reheated.
Reheating: To reheat, I place the chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the rice and keep it from drying out. I heat everything through until warm.
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FAQs:
How can I make this dish spicier?
If I want to add some heat, I can sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic when making the sauce. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, I can use brown rice, but I would need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice usually takes about 40 minutes to cook, so I’d need to simmer it a bit longer and ensure the liquid is absorbed.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is best enjoyed fresh, but I can prepare the chicken and rice separately ahead of time. Then, I just need to heat them up when I’m ready to serve and combine them with the sauce.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this Chicken Scampi. The acidity of the wine complements the lemony scampi sauce beautifully.
Can I skip the white wine?
If I don’t have white wine on hand or prefer not to use it, I can substitute it with an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth. It will still taste delicious!
Conclusion:
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe not only delivers on taste but also on simplicity, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting appeal. Serve it hot and savor each bite of tender chicken and savory rice infused with garlic and Parmesan goodness.
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a comforting dish of Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice—a delightful blend of tender chicken in a savory garlic and butter sauce served alongside aromatic Parmesan-infused rice. This easy-to-follow recipe promises a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in butter until melted and combined.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- To Serve:
- Divide garlic Parmesan rice among plates.
- Top with chicken scampi and spoon sauce over chicken and rice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter option, you can use reduced-sodium chicken broth or substitute olive oil for butter.
Adjust seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
White wine adds depth to the sauce but can be omitted if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
