Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich, buttery flavors of scampi with the savory notes of garlic and parmesan-infused rice. It is a perfect meal for family dinners, special occasions, or even a weeknight treat when you’re craving something flavorful but easy to make. The tender chicken is coated in a rich, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, while the garlic parmesan rice acts as a delicious side dish that elevates the entire meal.

This recipe is an elegant fusion of Italian and American flavors that will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. The delicate, aromatic rice complements the bold and savory chicken scampi in a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

Preparation & Cooking

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Start by gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Preheat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
4. Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Making the Garlic Scampi Sauce

1. Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Add the white wine (if using) to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow the broth to reduce for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Heavy Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it has thickened slightly, add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Season: Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (for a little heat) if necessary. Add the lemon zest and juice for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 3: Combining the Chicken with the Sauce

1. Return Chicken to Pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and stay juicy.
2. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Just before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon slices for a touch of color and brightness.

Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the saucepan and stir for another 2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast in the garlic butter.
3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth (or water), bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Add Cream and Parmesan: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the rice becomes creamy.
5. Season the Rice: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Searing the Chicken Properly: Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure a golden crust. The chicken should be placed in a hot skillet and left undisturbed to get that perfect sear.
2. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you find that the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Add More Veggies: To make the dish even more balanced, you can add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus to the plate.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the garlic parmesan rice a day in advance, as it reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a little extra butter or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Plate the Dish: To serve, place a generous portion of the garlic parmesan rice on each plate. Place the chicken breast on top, spooning extra scampi sauce over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a burst of color.
• Side Dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.
• Wine Pairing: As mentioned, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will complement the dish’s flavors nicely.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or cauliflower steaks. Simply follow the same steps for cooking the vegetables, ensuring they are properly seasoned and sautéed to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Gluten-Free: Ensure the chicken broth and any store-bought ingredients are gluten-free. You can also serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of the garlic parmesan rice for a low-carb option.
3. Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a dairy-free option like margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or almond milk.
4. More Protein: If you’d like more protein, consider adding shrimp to the scampi sauce for an extra boost. Simply cook the shrimp in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken in a buttery garlic sauce paired with creamy, savory rice creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich, buttery flavors of scampi with the savory notes of garlic and parmesan-infused rice. It is a perfect meal for family dinners, special occasions, or even a weeknight treat when you're craving something flavorful but easy to make. The tender chicken is coated in a rich, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, while the garlic parmesan rice acts as a delicious side dish that elevates the entire meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Scampi:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
• Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
• Stir in the garlic-butter mixture, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the cooked rice. Keep warm and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Scampi:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the lemon juice and butter, allowing the butter to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest, if desired.

3. Serve:

• Plate the garlic parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Spoon the sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice.

Notes

• Rice Option: You can substitute the long-grain white rice for brown rice, though it will require a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth can easily be substituted.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the rice and chicken separately ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and serve the garlic Parmesan rice with sautéed vegetables (like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach).