This Easy Chicken Scampi is a tasty blend of chicken and garlic, served with creamy Parmesan rice. It’s quick to make and fancy enough to impress your friends!
I love how the garlic fills the kitchen with a yummy smell. Just wait until you try that cheesy rice! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. Who can resist? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is a great choice for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re in a pinch, chicken thighs can be a good substitute—they’re a bit richer in flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here; it gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder will work, but it’s not as strong. For a milder taste, use roasted garlic instead.
White Wine: Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds depth to the sauce. If you’d prefer not to use wine, just stick with chicken broth, which you might be using already, or a splash of lemon juice and more broth can work too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for the rice; it melts better and has more flavor. If you’re not a fan, Pecorino Romano is a good alternative, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy and delicious. First, ensure your slices are even, so they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the oil and butter.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if needed.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F means it’s ready!
Let it rest a minute before adding it to the sauce; this keeps it tender.
How Do I Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice?
The key to flavorful rice is in how you cook it. Toasting the rice with garlic in butter before adding liquid gives it a nice, nutty flavor. Here’s a quick guide:
- Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—don’t burn it!
- Mix the rice in and let it toast for 1-2 minutes, which enhances the flavor.
- Once the rice is done, add the Parmesan cheese off the heat for a creamy finish.
This technique makes sure your rice is not just a side, but a dish you’ll want more of!
Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Scampi:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For The Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, and then cook everything within 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.
Next, add the rice to the saucepan and stir it well to coat the grains with butter and garlic. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Now pour in the chicken broth or water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove it from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cover it again and let it sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, season the chicken slices with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Now, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage and stir in the chopped parsley.
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, turning it over to coat it well in the flavorful sauce.
4. Serve:
To serve, fluff the Parmesan garlic rice with a fork and season to taste with salt and pepper. Plate the rice alongside the chicken scampi, spooning some of the lovely sauce over the chicken.
Feel free to garnish with extra parsley if you’d like! Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make Chicken Scampi with creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place it in the fridge overnight or to submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth works wonderfully as a substitute. You can also use a mix of chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice for that zesty flavor without the alcohol!
Can I Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the rice ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to rehydrate the rice if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a little fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors again!
