If you’re craving something dazzlingly satisfying that still comes together with minimal fuss, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is about to make regular appearances at your dinner table. Imagine golden, tender chicken bathed in a garlicky, lemon-kissed white wine sauce, scattered with fresh parsley, then perched atop a mound of creamy, Parmesan-laced rice. This is the kind of recipe that makes even weeknights feel a little bit special and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Did I mention it’s ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish? Let’s make dinner memorable with this favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a mile-long shopping list for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice; each ingredient is a key player that adds flavor, texture, or eye-catching color. Think of these as your foundation for a comforting classic that always delivers.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders: Quick-cooking and incredibly juicy, these are perfect for soaking up all that wonderful scampi sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: This coats the chicken, helping it brown perfectly and lending body to the pan sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Always add these in layers for the best overall flavor in both the chicken and rice.
- Olive Oil: Adds fruity undertones and helps the chicken develop a beautiful sear.
- Butter: A must-have for richness in both the sauce and the rice—don’t skimp!
- Garlic: This recipe shines with the robust intensity of fresh, minced garlic.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle background heat that’s never overpowering.
- Dry White Wine (or Chicken Broth): Wine gives acidity and depth, while broth is a great substitute for anyone skipping alcohol.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens everything up and ties all the flavors together.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herby flecks and a pop of color right at the end.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy and neutral, it soaks up all those flavorful pan juices.
- Chicken Broth (for rice): Cooking rice in broth rather than water builds flavor from the ground up.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the rice for creamy, savory goodness in every bite.
- Butter (for rice): Adds silkiness and makes the rice extra luscious.
- Salt and Pepper (for rice): The finishing touch for seasoning, so everything tastes just right.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Fluffy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Start by bringing chicken broth to a gentle boil in your saucepan. Stir in the rice, cover, and let it simmer away on low heat. This step infuses the rice with savory depth before stirring in just the right amount of butter and Parmesan. Fluffy, cheesy rice with a whisper of salt and pepper is the ultimate base for the main event.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While your rice bubbles, combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken tender until evenly dusted—it’s this little step that gives the chicken a perfectly golden crust and allows the flavors to lock in.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a blend of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken tenders for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The result? Crisp-edged, juicy chicken that’s ready for its garlicky sauce. Transfer the finished chicken to a plate while you make the pan sauce.
Step 4: Build the Bright and Garlicky Scampi Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Let the aromatics release their magic for just a minute. Pour in the wine (or chicken broth) plus lemon juice, scraping up every delicious brown bit, and let it reduce a bit for a concentrated, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Chicken and Serve
Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon that lemony garlic sauce over the top, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let everything mingle for a final minute. Serve the juicy chicken right over the warm Garlic Parmesan Rice, making sure to drizzle extra sauce over each plate.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Garnishes
Finish your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and maybe a twist of cracked black pepper. A few thin lemon slices look gorgeous alongside the chicken for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. For something extra refreshing, try a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette—the zingy flavors play perfectly off the scampi sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the Garlic Parmesan Rice into a wide, shallow bowl for family-style serving, or use a ring mold to create a neat round of rice topped with the chicken and a drizzle of sauce for a more elegant dinner party vibe. Leftovers even make a great open-faced sandwich on toasted ciabatta!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining both flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the rice and chicken separately in tightly sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date everything to keep track of freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally and heat until everything is piping hot and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! If you have boneless, skinless breasts or thighs on hand, simply slice them into strips about the size of tenders. Both options stay juicy and flavorful in this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice dish.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?
Yes, chicken broth is a wonderful substitute for the white wine in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. It keeps the sauce savory and rich, so you won’t miss out on flavor.
Can I make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten free blend and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten free. With those changes, this recipe is easy to adapt for gluten free diners.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?
Keep the saucepan over low heat, stir the rice briefly before covering, and resist the temptation to peek until the timer is up. Fluff with a fork when it’s done for perfectly tender rice every time.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook it! Chicken tenders are thin and quick to cook, so keep an eye on them and remove from the skillet as soon as they’re golden brown and just cooked through for best results in your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a meal like Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and the easy prep makes it a joy to share with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—let this dish bring a little extra happiness to your weeknight dinners!
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and flavorful recipe for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, featuring tender chicken cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce, served over creamy Parmesan rice. This Italian-American inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil, add rice, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Stir in butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, sauté in olive oil and butter until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: Sauté garlic and pepper flakes, add wine and lemon juice. Simmer, then return chicken to the skillet.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken, sprinkle with parsley, and serve over the prepared garlic Parmesan rice.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, add cream or extra butter.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for tenders.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad on the side.
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