If you crave a super flavorful, weeknight-friendly meal that feels a touch fancy without any fuss, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is destined to become your new favorite. Tender strips of golden chicken, sautéed with lemon and fresh garlic, are perched atop a wonderfully creamy, cheesy rice. Each bite of this dish delivers bright citrus, a savory punch of Parmesan, and just enough richness to feel a little indulgent. Plus, it all comes together in just over half an hour, making it perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or even a cozy date-in. Keep this recipe nearby—after your first forkful, you’ll understand why Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice belongs in everyone’s dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how such humble ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice plays its own starring role, from the juicy chicken to the zingy lemon, buttery sauce, and, of course, the irresistible cheesy rice underneath. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken cooks quickly and evenly, making it juicy and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, paprika: This simple trio gives the chicken layers of flavor right from the start.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic (fresh & powder): Both fresh minced cloves and garlic powder flavor the chicken and rice, bringing out savory, aromatic notes.
- Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon lifts the whole dish with brightness and balances richness.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: These options create a light, flavorful pan sauce to coat the chicken—go with wine for a classic touch or broth for added comfort.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, giving it just the right amount of silky luxury.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top, this adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
- Long grain white rice: Serve as a fluffy, flavorful base that absorbs all those garlicky, cheesy drippings.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Cooks the rice with extra savoriness from the inside out.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the rice, it melts instantly and brings all the creamy, salty magic.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry and slicing it into even strips. Toss the pieces with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika—this simple spice blend brings color, boldness, and just a hint of smokiness. Heat a big skillet with a swirl of olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer and let it brown for 4 to 5 minutes. You want beautiful golden edges and fully cooked centers. When done, set the chicken aside, but keep your skillet handy—those little browned bits are packed with flavor!
Step 2: Build the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in your remaining olive oil and add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant but before it browns. Splash in the lemon juice and wine (or extra chicken broth), and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up the tasty bits from the pan. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes. Once it’s slightly reduced, whisk in the butter. As soon as it melts, return your chicken and toss everything to coat. Now those tender chicken strips are glistening with garlicky, buttery sauce!
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While your chicken is bathing in deliciousness, set a saucepan on the stove and combine long grain white rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring everything to a boil, stir, then drop the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the rice cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until all the broth is absorbed and the grains are perfectly fluffy. Turn the heat off, fold in a generous handful of Parmesan cheese (watch it melt!), and fluff it all together with a fork.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Mound that creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto your plates. Top each serving with the glistening chicken scampi pieces and drizzle the skillet sauce over everything. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Get ready—dinner is about to be truly unforgettable!
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Garnishes
Finish your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with an extra flourish of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of green. Add a little more grated Parmesan or even a quick grate of lemon zest on top if you want to give it extra brightness and depth. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes also makes each bite pop.
Side Dishes
While Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is satisfying all on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans are a perfect springy contrast. If you’d like a little bread to help mop up all that irresistible sauce, try a piece of warm crusty ciabatta or a chewy baguette.
Creative Ways to Present
You can plate Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in small bowls for a cozy meal, or go restaurant-style and serve it on wide, shallow plates with the chicken fanned beautifully over the rice. For a special gathering, spoon the rice into a serving platter and neatly layer the chicken on top with plenty of extra parsley and Parmesan for that wow factor. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, try serving smaller portions as part of a larger Italian-inspired family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice keeps well if you happen to have any leftovers. Transfer extra portions to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. Keeping the chicken and rice together lets the flavors meld even more, making the next meal just as delicious (maybe even better!).
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice if needed—just be sure it cools completely first. Place the cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, gently pressing out any extra air. For best texture, enjoy within 2 months. Parmesan rice may be a little softer after freezing, but the flavor stays strong.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice nice and creamy. Stir occasionally so everything heats evenly, and top with more Parmesan and fresh parsley to revive those just-cooked flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more flavor and stay extra juicy. Just slice them thin as you would the breasts, cook until golden and cooked through, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
What’s the best substitute for white wine?
If you’d rather not use wine, low-sodium chicken broth is a perfect alternative. It brings out the savory depth in the sauce without overpowering the fresh garlic and lemon.
Can Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice be made gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set. The rest of the recipe is naturally free from gluten.
How do I make it spicy?
For a mild kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing. If you prefer things extra hot, sprinkle more on at the table—everyone can build their own perfect level of heat.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Definitely! You can slice and season the chicken, grate the Parmesan, and measure out your dry ingredients the night before. When you’re ready to cook, everything will come together in a snap.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a home-cooked dish full of comfort and flavor, and Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is just that kind of meal. With only a handful of ingredients and effortless steps, you can make any night feel extraordinary. Try it soon and let it become the centerpiece of your weeknight dinners—or anytime you want to share something delicious!
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this flavorful and satisfying Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice that combines tender chicken strips in a zesty sauce with creamy, cheesy rice. A perfect harmony of savory flavors for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
For Chicken Scampi:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cook chicken until browned, and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in remaining olive oil, add lemon juice and wine/broth, simmer, then stir in butter.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, coat in sauce. In a separate saucepan, cook rice with broth, garlic powder, and salt.
- Finish: Stir Parmesan into cooked rice, serve topped with chicken and parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
