If you’re searching for a dinner that feels both cozy and elegant, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is about to become your new go-to. Tender strips of golden chicken rest on a bed of buttery, garlicky rice, with pops of bright Parmesan and a gentle kick of heat running throughout. The best part? This whole dish comes together in a single skillet, making it just as perfect for a weeknight meal as it is for impressing guests. Every forkful captures a little taste of comfort with a satisfyingly savory twist, and it’s easy to tweak for your family’s personal preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the most magical meals are built on everyday staples. In Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, each ingredient’s flavor shines—no fancy tricks required. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make every component count:
- Chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts: Slicing them into strips ensures each bite is juicy and cooks quickly.
- Salt, divided: Enhances the overall flavor of both the chicken and the rice.
- Black pepper: Adds earthy undertones and subtle sharpness to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic powder: Gives the chicken extra savory depth before it even hits the pan.
- Olive oil: Helps create that perfect golden crust on the chicken strips.
- Unsalted butter: Lends richness to both the sauce and the rice—using unsalted lets you control seasoning.
- Minced garlic: The star aromatic, infusing the whole dish with its irresistible scent.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle hit of heat that brings big personality.
- Dry white wine: Brightens and balances out the buttery base—feel free to swap for broth with lemon juice if needed.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the saucy goodness while staying fluffy and separate.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory backbone to the rice and cooking liquid.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice for a salty, nutty finish—definitely use the real deal for best results!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch that brings color and herbal sparkle.
- Toasted breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a little crunch and a nice contrast to the creamy rice base.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle your chicken strips with half of the salt, all of the black pepper, and the garlic powder, ensuring every piece is nicely coated. This quick step locks in flavor and sets the stage for succulent chicken in your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Lay the chicken strips in a single layer, letting them sizzle undisturbed for three to four minutes per side. You want that gorgeous, golden color and a juicy interior. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’ll add it back soon.
Step 3: Build the Scampi Sauce
Add half of the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in your minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and the remaining salt. Sauté just until the garlic is fragrant; it only takes about a minute, so keep an eye out. This is where the kitchen really starts to smell amazing!
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Raise the heat and pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the wine bubble and reduce by half—this intensifies its brightness and marries it with the garlicky butter. Before moving on, reserve 2 tablespoons of this liquid for drizzling at the end; you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 5: Toast and Simmer the Rice
Add your uncooked rice straight to the skillet, stirring so every grain is gleaming and infused with the buttery sauce. Once mixed in, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything up to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it all simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The rice will become tender and fragrant, soaking up every last drop of flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
When the rice is just right, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the rest of the butter. Stir to melt the cheese and create a creamy, cheesy backdrop for the chicken. The dish is really starting to come together now.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Nestle the cooked chicken atop the rice, then drizzle over the reserved scampi sauce from earlier. Cover the skillet and let everything sit off the heat for five minutes—this lets the flavors mingle and makes sure every bite of Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is extra delicious.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley offers vibrant color and a light herbal lift. For a bit of crunch, try a shower of toasted breadcrumbs—they soak up stray bits of butter and offer a lovely contrast to the creamy rice. Don’t forget a final dusting of Parmesan for pure decadence!
Side Dishes
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is hearty on its own, but it shines with a crisp green salad, simply dressed roasted veggies, or even steamed broccoli. Want something extra? Garlic bread or a wedge of lemon on the side is always welcome at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the rice onto individual plates and artfully arrange chicken strips on top for a restaurant-worthy look. Serving the whole skillet family-style in the center of the table creates a sense of occasion and invites everyone to dig in. For fun, try filling hollowed bell peppers with the rice and chicken for a colorful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Separate the chicken and rice if you want to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Scoop portions into airtight freezer containers (or sturdy bags) and stash them for up to two months. For best texture, freeze the chicken and rice separately if possible.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers in the microwave or gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth. This will revive the creaminess of the rice and keep everything tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice gives you the classic fluffy texture, Jasmine or Basmati rice can bring a fragrant twist. Orzo pasta is another great substitute if you’re after an extra silky base.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem at all—just swap in chicken broth with a little splash of lemon juice. You’ll still get a lovely tang and richness, so your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice won’t miss a beat.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper adds just a gentle warmth, not fiery heat. If you like it spicier, bump up the quantity to your taste—or skip it for a milder version that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free butter and swap the Parmesan for a vegan hard cheese. The dish will still have the garlicky, herby charm you love in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.
Is this a good meal prep option?
Definitely. With protein, grains, and big flavor packed into every serving, it reheats beautifully and is perfect for ready-to-go lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with an effortless, flavor-packed dinner, give Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice a try. It’s pure comfort on a plate that everyone will ask for again and again. Let it become a star in your weeknight rotation—you’ll be glad you did!
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful dish, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken strips with a savory garlic parmesan rice. This Italian-American inspired recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley and toasted breadcrumbs for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken with ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt half the butter, then add garlic, crushed red pepper, and remaining salt; sauté until fragrant. Increase heat, pour in wine, and simmer until reduced by half. Reserve 2 tablespoons of sauce for finishing.
- Cook the Rice: Stir uncooked rice into skillet, coating with the sauce. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Garnish: Return chicken to skillet on top of rice, drizzle with reserved sauce, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and breadcrumbs if desired.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with ½ cup chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Jasmine rice or orzo pasta can be substituted for long-grain rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
