If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender, garlicky chicken tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it all comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire because it’s easy, satisfying, and totally delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. From the bright lemon juice to the fresh parsley, each element brings out the best in the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors you’ll love.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips: Thin slices cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and rice perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for browning the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base and keeps everything moist.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish with its fresh, tangy notes.
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional): Adds depth and subtle complexity if you choose to include it.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a luscious, silky finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings color and fresh herbal lift.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect tender, fluffy base for the garlicky Parmesan rice.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the rice, infusing it with savory flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Incorporated into the rice for extra garlicky goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice for a creamy, nutty finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: A fresh, bright flourish to finish the plate beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the thinly sliced chicken breasts well with salt and pepper. This step is crucial to build flavor right from the start, ensuring every bite of chicken is tasty and perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken strips. Let them cook until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Browning the chicken adds a wonderful texture and locks in the juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—just about one minute. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if you’re using it. Bringing this mixture to a gentle simmer helps the flavors to meld while reducing slightly for concentrated taste. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing tangy brightness and savory richness.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Toss the Chicken
Add butter to the skillet and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it a silky texture. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat each piece generously with the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and herby flavor. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and fully infused with the tasty sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While your chicken simmers in sauce, combine the long-grain rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed—about 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken broth and garlic elevate the rice beyond basic, giving it a rich, savory base.
Step 6: Add Cheese to the Rice
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything evenly. The melted cheese adds a creamy, nutty complexity and balances the garlic flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Serve the Dish
Plate a hearty scoop of garlic Parmesan rice, top with the chicken scampi and all its zesty sauce, and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. This presentation invites you to dig right in and enjoy the layers of flavor and textures.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is an absolute must for garnish—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that makes the dish pop visually and in taste. For an extra zing, a light sprinkle of lemon zest or a few lemon wedges on the side can brighten up every bite and bring an inviting freshness to the plate.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe shines as a complete meal, but if you’re looking to round it out, crisp sautéed green beans or a simple, fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette compliment the dish beautifully. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli are also fantastic choices for adding a green veggie side that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or a bit of flair, serve the chicken and rice in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra sauce on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze as they like. You could also plate the rice in a neat ring mold to create a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken scampi with garlic Parmesan rice to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Storing components together helps the rice absorb more flavor overnight, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, separate the chicken and rice before freezing. Store them in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice and chicken moist. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts and stir between intervals for even reheating without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is traditional and cooks nicely, you can substitute with jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly.
Is the white wine necessary in the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Not at all. The white wine adds a subtle depth and acidity, but if you prefer to skip it, the lemon juice and chicken broth keep the sauce flavorful and well-balanced.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your Parmesan cheese is free from additives containing gluten.
What is the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
Slicing the chicken into thin strips ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, absorbing the sauce beautifully. Make sure the chicken is partially chilled for easier slicing, or slightly freeze it for about 15 minutes before cutting.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to speed up this recipe?
You can, but keep in mind that the chicken won’t absorb as much sauce if it’s already cooked. If using pre-cooked chicken, add it toward the end just to warm through and toss with the sauce carefully to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish like this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe—every forkful delivers a cozy, flavorful experience that feels both special and effortless. I truly hope you give this recipe a go and discover just how quickly simple ingredients can turn into a mouthwatering meal that brightens up your dinner table. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe features tender strips of chicken breast cooked in a flavorful garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce, served over a creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines a zesty, buttery sauce with aromatic herbs and perfectly cooked rice for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Scampi
- 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
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
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and optional white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts and fully combines with the sauce, creating a rich and silky texture. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
- Cook Rice: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: After the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste, and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve: To serve, plate a portion of the garlic Parmesan rice and top it with the chicken and luscious scampi sauce. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley for color and extra freshness, then enjoy your hearty yet elegant meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic dish, simply omit the white wine and replace it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth or water.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the final step before adding the chicken back.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
- Make sure to let the rice rest covered off heat for 5 minutes after cooking to allow steam to finish cooking the grains evenly.
- Leftover chicken scampi can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
