Easy Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Tender chicken dances with zesty lemon in this mouthwatering chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice that promises restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Succulent pieces of chicken bathe in a rich, buttery sauce bursting with garlic and herbs.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes that will make your taste buds sing.

The aromatic garlic parmesan rice provides a creamy, cheesy complement to the juicy chicken.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a vibrant touch of color and brightness to the dish.

Simple ingredients come together in a quick and elegant meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

FAQs

• Why use white wine in the recipe?

White wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, providing a subtle acidity that enhances the chicken’s flavor and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits.

• Can I skip the wine if I don't drink alcohol?

Absolutely! You can replace white wine with extra chicken broth or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to maintain the sauce’s brightness and acidity.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of a chicken strip to ensure there’s no pink remaining.

What Makes Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice So Tempting

• This chicken scampi offers a speedy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• With straightforward cooking techniques, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills to prepare successfully.
• The combination of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and creamy Parmesan rice transforms an ordinary dinner into a special, flavorful experience that feels like a treat.
• Flexible ingredients like optional white wine and adaptable protein allow for personal tweaks, making this recipe friendly for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Chicken Strips: A lean protein that serves as the main component of this delicious scampi dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic base that adds depth to both the chicken and rice.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbaceous note to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps brown the chicken and provides a rich cooking medium.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to both the chicken and rice preparation.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a tangy, citrusy brightness to balance the rich sauce.
• White Wine: An optional ingredient that adds complexity and acidity to the sauce.
• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the chicken and adds a luxurious texture.

• White Rice: The base for the garlic Parmesan side dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the rice.

Tools for Easy Chicken Scampi Rice Prep

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the flavorful scampi sauce.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the garlic Parmesan rice.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Used for precise herb and garlic chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice at Home

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken strips and generously sprinkle them with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets a nice, even coating.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken strips into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and are fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Bloom Garlic

In the same skillet, drop in the minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and dance for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic and creating a fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 4: Create Sauce Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• White wine

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Reduce Liquid

Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble for 3-4 minutes, concentrating the flavors and slightly thickening the sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Butter

Swirl in the butter, letting it melt completely and blend into the sauce, creating a silky, rich texture.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it lovingly to ensure every piece gets thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Herbs

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken, adding a fresh, bright note to the dish.

Step 9: Prepare Garlic Rice

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 10: Add Cheese to Rice

Remove the rice from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 11: Plate and Serve

Spread the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates.

Nestle the chicken scampi on top, and generously spoon the extra sauce over everything.

Scatter some additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Tender, Saucy Chicken Scampi Rice

• Pat chicken strips dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and white wine to create a perfectly balanced, tangy sauce that complements the chicken.
• Use a fork to fluff the rice after cooking to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
• Add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and bright flavor.
• If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally.

Scampi Rice: Fresh Variations to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower, sautéed with garlic and Parmesan for a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, substituting regular flour with cornstarch if needed for thickening the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, omit Parmesan cheese, and use nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor that accommodates dairy-free dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, marinated in the same seasonings and cooked using identical method to maintain the original recipe's essence.

Plating and Serving Chicken Scampi Rice for Family Dinners

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Layer the garlic Parmesan rice as a creamy base, then strategically place golden chicken strips on top for maximum visual appeal and taste contrast.
• Lemon Zest Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh lemon zest over the dish to brighten the flavors and add a vibrant, citrusy kick that complements the rich sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the delicate garlic and chicken scampi flavors.
• Herb Garden Twist: Scatter additional fresh chopped parsley and chives on top for a pop of color and extra fresh herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish.

Storing Chicken Scampi with Rice for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover chicken scampi and rice in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice delivers Italian coastal flavors in a comforting home-cooked meal. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques combine to create a delightful dinner perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Rice Ingredients:

• 1 cup (190 grams) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken strips by generously seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping warm.
5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
6. Deglaze pan by pouring chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine, scraping bottom to release flavorful browned bits.
7. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce by one-third, creating a concentrated sauce, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. Incorporate cold butter, whisking continuously until sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
9. Return chicken to skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.
10. For rice, combine rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan over high heat.
11. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
12. Remove rice from heat, fold in grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
13. Season rice with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
14. Plate garlic Parmesan rice, top with sauced chicken, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Elevate chicken flavor by marinating strips in garlic, lemon zest, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste profiles.
• Create gluten-free version by replacing white wine with additional chicken broth and using cornstarch instead of traditional flour for thickening sauce.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or white fish while maintaining identical cooking techniques and sauce preparation.
• Reduce calorie content by using Greek yogurt instead of butter and choosing low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter, healthier meal variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg