Are you looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and downright delicious? Look no further than Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice! This recipe is a delightful melange of succulent chicken, aromatic garlic, and the rich taste of Parmesan, all brought together in a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the smiles on their faces made me feel like I should open a restaurant! It’s special not only for its incredible taste but also because it’s super easy to whip up in no time. If you’ve enjoyed our quick and comforting Chicken Alfredo, you’ll love this dish too. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to impress!
What is Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?
So, what’s in a name, right? Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice sounds fancy, but it’s really just a fun way to say, “I made a wonderful meal with chicken, garlic, and cheesy rice!” Is it called “scampi” because it features shrimp like the traditional recipes? Nope! The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is, allowing you to use chicken instead. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and trust me, this dish is bound to win over everyone at your table. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s make this scrumptious meal together!
Why You’ll Love This
You’re probably wondering why you should get excited about making Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, right? Well, let me share three fantastic reasons! First, the main highlight of this dish is its incredible flavor; the garlic pairs beautifully with the lemon and wine, creating a rich taste experience. Secondly, making this dish at home is cost-effective compared to dining out, giving you a gourmet experience without breaking the bank. Lastly, the addition of fresh parsley and creamy Parmesan elevates it into something special. If you enjoy this, be sure to check out our Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe for another delicious option!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Making Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a breeze! With just a handful of staples, you’ll have a meal that’s ready in about 30-40 minutes. Simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and garlic come together harmoniously, delivering a delightful dish that satisfies both the palate and the tummy.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for rice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for rice)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Add Butter: Stir in butter until melted and well combined, then return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Prepare Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, 2 cups chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the garlic Parmesan rice among plates or bowls, top with chicken scampi, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately!
What to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice With
Pair this delicious Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a simple side salad of mixed greens or steamed veggies for added color and nutrition. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon can elevate the dining experience. For a heartier meal, serve some garlic bread on the side to soak up any flavorful sauce left on your plate!
Top Tips for Perfecting
To ensure your Chicken Scampi was a hit, here are a few valuable tips! Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor, and don’t skip the garlic—it’s the star! If you’re out of white wine, a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice can work as substitutes. Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender, not dry. Lastly, feel free to add in vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrition!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, you can microwave for a minute or two until warm. This dish also freezes well for up to a month; just ensure it’s in an airtight container!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but ensure that it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What type of rice works best? Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can substitute with brown rice, just adjust the cooking time.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check the Parmesan cheese for gluten-free certification.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is not only easy to prepare but also a complete meal that’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to please your family. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, this recipe won’t disappoint. Get in the kitchen and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is! Happy cooking!
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Rice Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for rice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper (for rice)
- to garnish Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and wine (if using). Scrape up browned bits and simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in butter until melted. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat. Simmer briefly. Remove from heat.
- In a separate saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and garlic. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Stir Parmesan into the rice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Plate rice, top with chicken scampi, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.