There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken cooked to perfection with a luscious, garlicky sauce served alongside creamy Parmesan rice. The Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining bright lemony flavors, rich butter, and fresh herbs, making every bite a little celebration on your plate. This dish strikes the perfect balance of zesty, savory, and creamy elements that will easily become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or special weekend meals to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients form the backbone of this dish, each playing an essential role in both flavor and texture. From juicy chicken strips to fragrant garlic and creamy Parmesan, these components come together effortlessly and create a harmonious plate that bursts with comfort and excitement.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Sliced into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken perfectly and enhance all the natural flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For a golden sear and rich base flavor.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves total): Divided between the chicken sauce and rice, garlic is the aromatic heart of this recipe.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup + 2 cups): Adds both moisture and depth to the sauce and rice.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Injects fresh, bright acidity to balance buttery richness.
- White wine (1/4 cup, optional): Adds complexity and a subtle tang to the scampi sauce.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for a silky texture and indulgent taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons plus extra for garnish): Provides a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): The perfect base to soak up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Stirred into the rice for rich, creamy flavor.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the thin strips of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken develops a beautiful golden brown crust and is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step ensures your chicken remains juicy inside while crispy outside, which is vital for the dish’s texture contrast.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, don’t clean out those browned bits—they are pure flavor gold! Add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until it releases its heady aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if you’re using it. The liquid will deglaze the pan, lifting every bit of flavor from the bottom. Let this simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens, concentrating the taste. Then stir in the butter until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that irresistible richness.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken strips back into the skillet, tossing them to coat thoroughly with the glossy, flavorful sauce. Finally, sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness that complements the citrus and garlic elements perfectly. Turning the chicken in the sauce ensures every bite is juicy, flavorful, and fully drenched in that signature scampi sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While the chicken cooks, prepare your side by combining the rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to low to allow it to simmer peacefully, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the savory liquid. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese right at the end, letting it melt into every grain, then season to taste with salt and pepper. This creamy, garlicky rice is the perfect companion to the zesty chicken scampi.
Step 5: Plate and Serve Your Meal
Divide the fragrant garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate, then artfully place the succulent chicken scampi on top. Don’t forget to spoon over plenty of that luscious sauce so every bite sings with flavor. A final garnish of chopped parsley adds a fresh, inviting touch and brightens up the presentation beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t only for looks—its herbal brightness balances the rich butter and garlic while adding a lively pop of green color to the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a light sprinkling of lemon zest or a few red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Each of these small additions can elevate the presentation and flavor to restaurant-quality levels.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but adding a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy Parmesan rice and tangy chicken. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans with a squeeze of lemon also pair beautifully and introduce vibrant textures without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the chicken scampi and garlic Parmesan rice buffet-style in large bowls, letting everyone help themselves to as much sauce as they desire. If you want to impress guests, try layering the rice in a shallow bowl and arranging the chicken strips on top like an elegant tower, then drizzle with sauce and garnish with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges. A sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper just before serving adds a final gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any remaining Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture and flavor, store the rice and chicken separately if you can, so the rice does not become mushy from the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months, but for best results, freeze the rice and chicken separately in airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to prevent the chicken from becoming dry and the rice from turning overly soft.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce or rice seems drier than you like. Slowly warming the dish helps preserve the tender chicken and creamy texture without overcooking or drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice works perfectly here due to its fluffy texture, you can substitute jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer a fragrant touch. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice’s instructions.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This will keep the sauce flavorful and maintain that bright acidity.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your Parmesan cheese labels for any additives.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breast meat.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast in the rice. This way, you can still enjoy the richness without any dairy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the magic that happens when a simple set of ingredients comes together to create comfort food with a bit of elegance. The Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is a shining example of how accessible gourmet flavors can be in your own kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but also fill your home with heartwarming aromas and joy.
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe features tender chicken strips cooked in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, paired perfectly with fluffy rice infused with parmesan and garlic flavors. It’s a delightful and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken strips in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if using, scraping the skillet’s browned bits to incorporate flavorful fond into the sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in unsalted butter until fully melted and combined, creating a rich, silky sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing to coat them thoroughly in the sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for brightness.
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Finish Rice: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the garlic Parmesan rice evenly among serving plates.
- Top and Garnish: Place the chicken scampi over the rice and spoon extra sauce from the skillet on top. Garnish each plate with additional chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- White wine is optional; you can substitute with additional chicken broth if preferred or avoid alcohol.
- Using fresh parsley enhances the dish’s brightness; dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable, but add earlier in cooking for better flavor integration.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
