This tasty chicken scampi is all about juicy chicken and buttery garlic goodness. It’s served with fluffy, cheesy Parmesan rice that makes every bite a treat!
I love how quick this dish comes together! Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy it with a side salad! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re watching your calories, you could use turkey breasts or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor and helps cook the chicken evenly. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use canola or vegetable oil as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic flavor, but if you run out, garlic powder can be a quick substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove of garlic.
White Wine: I love using dry white wine for depth of flavor, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, chicken broth works just fine. You get a nice taste without the booze!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese melts nicely and adds a creamy richness. If you’re dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Make the Rice Creamy and Flavorful?
The secret to creamy, flavorful garlic Parmesan rice is in the broth. Using chicken broth instead of water for cooking the rice infuses it with amazing taste.
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil before adding the rice. This speeds up cooking.
- Keep the lid on while the rice cooks. This keeps steam in, making the rice fluffy and tender.
- Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese after cooking. This creates a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect, delicious rice each time!
Easy Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional salt and pepper for rice, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken scampi with garlic Parmesan rice takes about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. A quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Parmesan Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of rice and add a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15-18 minutes. After cooking, take it off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter. Keep it covered and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden on both sides and cooked through, which takes about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic burn. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), using a spatula to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add Flavor to the Sauce:
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the sauce to thicken just a bit. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
5. Combine & Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top to keep it moist and flavorful. Let it warm through for a minute. To serve, plate the garlic Parmesan rice and place the chicken scampi on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw it completely first. The best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure you’re using gluten-free chicken broth and check that your white wine is also gluten-free. The rice is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the garlic Parmesan rice and make the scampi sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the rice, warm the sauce, and cook the chicken fresh for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce together over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
