Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines tender chicken, a rich garlicky sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough for a busy weeknight. It’s packed with flavor juicy, lightly breaded chicken cooked in a buttery, lemony sauce with just the right amount of garlic and Parmesan. Pair it with creamy, cheesy rice, and you have a meal that will keep everyone at the table coming back for seconds.

I still remember the first time I had chicken scampi at an Italian restaurant. The buttery sauce, the slight kick from the red pepper flakes, and the citrusy brightness from the lemon made it unforgettable. I wanted to recreate that same magic at home but with a side that felt just as indulgent. That’s how I landed on pairing it with Garlic Parmesan Rice. It’s the perfect balance fluffy rice infused with garlic, butter, and Parmesan, soaking up all the extra sauce from the scampi.

This dish is also great for different occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a special family dinner, a romantic meal, or just want something extra comforting, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry staples, so you don’t have to make a special grocery trip. If you love garlic, butter, and Parmesan (who doesn’t?), you’ll love this meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: It tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant but is simple enough to make in your kitchen.
• Garlic Butter Heaven: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the crispy chicken and cheesy rice.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, swap out the protein, or make it gluten-free if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Chicken Scampi:
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

Prepare the Rice:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for about a minute, allowing the rice to get lightly toasted.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
4. Let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Fluff the rice with a fork, cover, and set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Dredge the Chicken:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken strips in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This helps create a light crust that holds onto the sauce beautifully.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the dredged chicken strips in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Scampi Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.

Combine Everything:

1. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve the chicken scampi over a bed of Garlic Parmesan Rice, spooning extra sauce on top.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Instead of rice, serve the chicken scampi over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat.
• Different Protein Choices: Swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is already well-balanced, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• With Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad to add some freshness.
• Bread on the Side: Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs perfectly for soaking up the extra scampi sauce.
• Extra Garnishes: Top with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

Cooking this dish is straightforward, but a few key tips can make a big difference in flavor and texture:

• Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder is useful for seasoning, fresh minced garlic is essential for the scampi sauce. It provides a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since chicken breast tends to dry out quickly, cook it just until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Overcooking will make it tough.
• Toast the Rice First: Lightly toasting the rice in butter before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor and keeps the grains from sticking together.
• Deglaze the Pan: After removing the chicken, scrape up any browned bits from the skillet when you add the broth. These bits add incredible depth to the sauce.
• Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes allows it to reduce slightly, making it richer and more flavorful.
• Add More Parmesan for a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a creamier consistency, stir in more grated Parmesan or even a small splash of heavy cream.
• Taste and Adjust: The balance of garlic, butter, and lemon is key. If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a little more butter. If it needs brightness, squeeze in extra lemon juice.

Cooking Notes

• Use Thinly Sliced Chicken: Thin strips cook faster and absorb the flavors better. You can also use chicken tenders instead of slicing whole breasts.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before tossing it back in the sauce keeps it juicy.
• Adjust the Broth Amount: If you like a thicker sauce, use slightly less broth. If you prefer more sauce for drizzling, add a bit more broth and let it reduce.
• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Instead of pan-frying, you can bake or air-fry the dredged chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
• Reheating Tips: To keep the rice from drying out, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutrition varies based on portion sizes, here’s an estimate per serving:

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: ~40g
• Sodium: ~700mg

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! You can substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The sauce will still be flavorful but without the dairy.

3. What can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp is a fantastic substitute and cooks even faster. You can also use thinly sliced beef or pork if you prefer red meat.

4. Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can cook the rice and chicken in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, warm them up and combine with the sauce.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals with a little added broth to maintain moisture.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken freezes well, but the rice may lose some texture. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice, then thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water before simmering. Adding more Parmesan also helps thicken it naturally.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those meals that brings comfort and indulgence to the table without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy, golden chicken and buttery, garlicky rice makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to a flavorful meal, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is guaranteed to impress.

The best part? It’s easy to customize. Add a little spice, swap the protein, or make it creamy it’s up to you. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again because it’s just that good.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Did you add your own twist? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

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