If you’re craving something that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. It brings together tender strips of chicken cooked in a tangy, buttery scampi sauce paired perfectly with creamy, flavorful garlic Parmesan rice. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between bright lemon notes and rich, comforting flavors, creating a meal that’s elegant enough for company yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a favorite go-to that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. Each component highlights essential flavors and textures that come together effortlessly to make this dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness that sears the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh, they infuse both the chicken and rice with an irresistible aroma.
- Chicken broth: Used twice—in the sauce and rice—to impart savory depth without overpowering.
- Lemon juice: Brings a lively brightness to cut through the richness of butter and Parmesan.
- White wine (optional): Provides a nuanced complexity and a slight tang to the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: For smooth richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped as a fresh, herbal garnish to brighten the finished dish.
- Long-grain white rice: The fluffy base that absorbs all those fabulous flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred into the rice for that creamy, nutty depth you’ll love.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite has just the right flavor foundation. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about five to seven minutes. Taking the chicken out to rest keeps it from overcooking and creates space to build your irresistible sauce.
Step 2: Build the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and if you’re using it, white wine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and allow it to reduce slightly for three to four minutes. This reduces the liquid and concentrates those vibrant, zesty flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Add Butter and Chicken Back to the Pan
Next, swirl in the butter until completely melted and silky. Return the golden chicken strips to the skillet, tossing them in the luscious sauce to coat every piece in that garlicky, buttery goodness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish.
Step 4: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While your chicken simmers, start on the rice. In a separate saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for fifteen to twenty minutes until tender and all the liquid is absorbed. The garlic infuses the rice with subtle flavor that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan and Season
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into a creamy, savory finish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and perfect for serving.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
To present your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe, scoop a generous serving of the fragrant rice onto a plate, top it with your saucy chicken, and garnish with a little extra chopped parsley. This simple plating lets the star ingredients shine and invites your guests to dig into something truly satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is all you need, but feel free to add a little grated lemon zest or a few chili flakes if you want a hint of extra brightness or subtle heat. These touches elevate the presentation and flavor, making it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a delightful one-pan meal but pairs wonderfully with crisp green beans, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus for some textural contrast and fresh veggies on the plate. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect to mop up every bit of that garlicky, buttery scampi sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken scampi atop a bed of sautéed spinach or serve the rice molded in a small bowl for a more elegant presentation. You can even turn this recipe into stuffed bell peppers or serve beside pasta for a fusion twist that keeps everyone interested and coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Freeze the rice without Parmesan first, then add cheese when reheating to preserve its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce and rice’s moisture. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy with a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries if you don’t have white wine; you can simply omit it or replace it with extra chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan labels to ensure they do not contain any hidden gluten additives.
Is the garlic Parmesan rice very rich?
Not at all! The grated Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor and creaminess without making the rice heavy. The garlic and broth keep it light and savory, balancing perfectly with the chicken scampi.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the rice in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The chicken is best cooked fresh to keep it tender and juicy, but you can also make the sauce ahead and warm it together with the chicken quickly before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe that feels like a special occasion meal any night of the week. Its bright, buttery sauce paired with creamy, cheesy rice creates a perfect harmony that’s just waiting to impress your family or friends. Once you give it a try, it will no doubt turn into one of your signature dishes—easy to make, exciting to eat, and impossible to forget.
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe offers a delightful combination of tender, seasoned chicken strips cooked in a flavorful garlic lemon sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic and simmer sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the sauce and combine: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and the sauce becomes silky. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the strips evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add freshness.
- Cook the garlic Parmesan rice: In a separate saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Complete the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix in the cheese evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates, top with the chicken strips and sauce, and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- White wine is optional; you can substitute with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact in both the chicken and rice.
- Butter adds richness to the sauce—do not skip to maintain authentic scampi flavor.
- If you want a gluten-free dish, ensure the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter and Parmesan and substitute with dairy-free alternatives.
