If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and comforts every bite, you’re going to love this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. Tender strips of chicken bathed in a garlicky, lemony sauce pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy rice that’s elevated by fresh herbs. Every element comes together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special dinners. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, promising a satisfying experience that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth to the sauce, a burst of freshness, or that irresistibly creamy texture in the rice.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into thin strips for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base for sautéing the chicken to a golden finish.
- Garlic (4 cloves for chicken, 2 cloves for rice): The superstar that boosts flavor with its aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth (for sauce and rice): Adds rich, savory notes to both the sauce and rice for depth.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- White wine (optional): Introduces a subtle complexity, though skipping it keeps the recipe family-friendly.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for a silky, luscious mouthfeel.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal lift and lovely color contrast.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up the creamy garlic Parmesan flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy richness that makes the rice utterly addictive.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper. Then heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This searing step locks in juicy flavors and creates a wonderful color contrast that makes the dish pop on the plate. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about a minute—this low, gentle cooking releases a savory aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if you’re using it. Let this mixture simmer gently until it reduces slightly, concentrating those bright and savory flavors within 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the butter to melt and create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken strips when you return them to the pan. Toss everything to coat the chicken well, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious scampi sauce that’s bursting with garlic, lemon, and buttery goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While your chicken simmers in its delicious sauce, start the garlic Parmesan rice. Combine the rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and all the flavorful liquid is absorbed. The garlic infuses the rice gently, creating a robust foundation for the richness to come.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan and Fluff
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and aerated, while ensuring each grain shines with a cheesy, garlicky glow. This final touch makes the rice irresistible and sets it apart as a star side on its own.
Step 6: Plate and Enjoy
To serve, spoon a generous bed of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto your plates, then top with the succulent chicken strips and all that glorious scampi sauce. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for color and a fragrant hint. Now you’re ready to dive into a dish that feels fancy but comes together with everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper makes all the difference when serving. The herbs brighten each bite and add a visual pop that instantly elevates the dish’s presentation.
Side Dishes
This recipe is rich and fulfilling, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds freshness and textural contrast, completing the meal perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice in shallow bowls and drizzle extra scampi sauce over the top for an elegant restaurant-style vibe. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice, making the dish feel interactive and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and rice together so the rice continues soaking in those flavorful juices, making every bite as tasty as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion the chicken with the rice into freezer-safe containers. When properly sealed, it can last up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or microwave with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice offers a great texture for this dish, you can try jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice variety you choose.
Is white wine necessary in the scampi sauce?
Not at all. The white wine adds a subtle complexity, but the dish is just as delicious without it. You can simply omit it or replace it with extra chicken broth for a family-friendly version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese do not contain any hidden gluten ingredients. Always check labels to be safe.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
Trim the chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips across the grain. Thin strips cook quickly and stay tender in the scampi sauce, making every bite perfectly juicy.
Can I add vegetables to the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Definitely! Adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking complements the dish beautifully and boosts its nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is a true crowd pleaser that balances simplicity with gourmet flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that invites warmth and satisfaction at the table. Go ahead and try it—you’ll soon wonder how you ever made dinner without it.
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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 combines tender, golden-brown chicken strips cooked in a flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce with a creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and elegant, infused with fresh parsley and zesty lemon for a bright, savory finish.
Ingredients
For the 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
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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and optional white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully combined into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly with the garlic lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to incorporate the cheese evenly.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the garlic Parmesan rice on plates, topping each with the chicken scampi and its sauce. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired, adding a fresh herbal note to the dish.
Notes
- White wine is optional; you can substitute with more chicken broth if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter to control sodium levels.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- If you want a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be swapped with basil or cilantro for different herbaceous notes.
