Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite

Craving a meal that’s both vibrant and comforting? This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a perfect dish to satisfy those taste buds. Juicy, tender chicken smothered in a bright, buttery garlic sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy, cheesy rice. It’s a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just want a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting textures. The garlic Parmesan rice perfectly complements the zesty scampi sauce, creating a balanced meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare — ideal for busy weeknights
• Tender chicken breast or tenders cooked to juicy perfection
• Garlicky, buttery scampi sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine
• Creamy garlic Parmesan rice that elevates the dish
• Family-friendly and sure to impress guests
• Low-carb and gluten-free options possible (use gluten-free broth and serve with cauliflower rice)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders or thinly sliced breasts
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
• ½ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or non-stick pan
• Medium saucepan with tight-fitting lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and slice thinly if needed. Toss with salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in skillet. Add chicken in batches if necessary, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce

Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping browned bits off the pan. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and whisk in butter pieces until smooth. Return chicken and parsley to pan, toss to coat, and keep warm.

4. Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic 30 seconds, add rice, and toast for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth and salt; bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered 5 minutes.

5. Finish the Rice

Remove lid, add Parmesan and butter, fluff gently with fork until melted and combined. Stir in chopped parsley.

6. Serve

Plate garlic Parmesan rice and top with chicken scampi. Garnish with extra parsley and enjoy immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
• Pair with a crisp white wine for a restaurant-style meal.
• Add a side salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.
• Not recommended for freezing due to rice texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I substitute chicken breasts for tenders?
A: Yes! Slice breasts thinly for quick, even cooking.

Q: What if I don’t want to use wine?
A: Chicken broth works perfectly and keeps the dish flavorful.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe offers the perfect combination of rich, buttery garlic sauce and tender chicken paired with cheesy, flavorful rice. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that turns simple ingredients into a memorable dinner. Try it tonight and bring a taste of gourmet comfort food to your home kitchen!

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hicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders or thinly sliced breasts
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large skillet or non-stick pan
• Medium saucepan with tight-fitting lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board

Method

 

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic in skillet for 1 minute. Add wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping pan. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk in butter until sauce is smooth. Return chicken and parsley to pan, toss, and keep warm.
5. Heat olive oil in saucepan, sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add rice, toast 1-2 minutes. Add broth and salt, bring to boil. Cover, simmer 15-18 minutes. Rest 5 minutes.
6. Stir Parmesan and butter into rice, fluff with fork. Mix in parsley.
7. Serve chicken over garlic Parmesan rice, garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use chicken broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.

For dairy-free, substitute butter and cheese accordingly.

Add steamed veggies for a balanced meal.