Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender, pan-seared chicken in a garlicky, buttery scampi sauce, served over rich, cheesy rice. This easy, restaurant-quality meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, offering a delicious twist on classic shrimp scampi.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor – A rich, garlicky butter sauce with a touch of lemon enhances the chicken beautifully.
• Easy to Make – A simple one-pan recipe that comes together quickly.
• Restaurant-Style Meal at Home – Skip the takeout and enjoy this gourmet dish from your kitchen.
• Customizable – Add veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Scampi:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• White wine (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• Long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• Chicken broth
• Garlic, minced
• Butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. Sauté Garlic – In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Cook the Rice – Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
3. Add Cheese & Finish – Once the rice is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a splash of heavy cream if desired. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Scampi

4. Season & Sear Chicken – Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. Make the Scampi Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine (or extra broth), then stir in lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Everything – Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Serve – Spoon the chicken scampi over the garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Make It Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Version – Stir in heavy cream to the scampi sauce for a richer texture.
• Veggie Additions – Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in mozzarella or provolone cheese for an extra cheesy dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The chicken can be frozen, but the rice is best stored fresh. If freezing, place chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice and chicken moist. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for shrimp and reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or even arborio rice for a creamier texture work well.

Can I make this without wine?

Absolutely! Just use extra chicken broth in place of the white wine.

How do I get extra crispy chicken?

Dredge the chicken in a light coating of flour before searing for a crispy exterior.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but for the best flavor, warm it up with butter and garlic before mixing in the Parmesan.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair wonderfully with this meal.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you like extra sauce, double the scampi sauce ingredients for more flavor.

How do I keep my chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken and a buttery, garlicky scampi sauce over cheesy rice. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, comforting dinner!

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