Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender sautéed chicken with a flavorful garlic and lemon sauce. Paired with creamy Parmesan-infused rice, this dish makes for a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into strips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (divided: 2 for chicken, 2 for rice)
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Step 3: Deglaze the pan by adding white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Heat through for another minute, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Remove from heat and keep warm.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the rice and toast it in the garlic butter for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
8. Step 8: Remove the rice from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Serve the chicken scampi over the garlic Parmesan rice immediately for a warm and flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a bit of heat.
• Substitute the white wine with equal parts chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Try using fresh lemon zest along with lemon juice for a brighter citrus note.
• Use fresh parsley for garnish, or substitute with basil or cilantro for a different herbaceous twist.
• For a creamier rice, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a little extra butter before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken scampi and garlic Parmesan rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before preparing this dish.

Can I make the rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic Parmesan rice in advance. Reheat it gently on the stove with a little added broth or water to restore its creamy texture before serving.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe offers a flavorful, comforting meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with vibrant lemon and parsley, served over creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. It’s perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, blending classic Italian-inspired flavors with simple cooking techniques.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Scampi

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into strips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare and cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
3. Deglaze and finish chicken: Deglaze the pan by adding white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in lemon juice and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, toss to coat with the sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before removing from heat.
4. Cook garlic Parmesan rice – start with garlic: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Toast the rice: Add the long grain white rice to the saucepan with garlic and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop nuttiness.
6. Simmer rice: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7. Finish the rice: Remove the rice from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine.
8. Serve: Plate the garlic Parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use chicken tenders for faster cooking and tender texture or cut chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
• If you don’t have white wine, extra chicken broth works well for deglazing the pan.
• Keep the heat medium-high when sautéing chicken to develop a nice golden crust without drying out the meat.
• Toast the rice gently to enhance flavor and keep the grains separated after cooking.
• For a richer dish, consider adding a splash of cream or extra butter to the rice at the end.
• Fresh parsley brightens the dish; add it last to preserve its fresh flavor and color.

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Italian Chicken Recipe, One Pan Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipes, Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Rice