If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and downright comforting, you have to try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect marriage of tender, garlicky chicken simmered in a silky sauce paired with rich, cheesy rice that brings everything together like a cozy, delicious hug. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is simple to pull off and absolutely satisfying, with every bite delivering layers of savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating the depth and balance of flavors. From the fresh garlic to the creamy Parmesan, every component adds to the texture, aroma, and color of the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons for chicken, 1 tablespoon for rice): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken to golden perfection.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers that essential punch of flavor in both the chicken and the rice.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.
- White wine (1/2 cup): Brings brightness and acidity to balance the buttery sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavors with fresh citrus notes.
- Chicken broth (1 cup for sauce, 2 cups for rice): Infuses the dish with savory depth and moisture.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for that silky, indulgent finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and herbal brightness.
- Jasmine rice (1 cup): The perfect fragrant base that soaks up every bit of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Gives the rice a creamy, nutty character that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Boosts the garlic flavor in the Parmesan rice for added dimension.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Bring 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, then add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Flavor and Fluff the Rice
When the rice finishes cooking, fluff it with a fork to release steam and prevent clumping. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of olive oil. This step turns the rice into the flavorful, velvety bed that perfectly complements the scampi.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until every piece is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Build the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about one minute until fragrant—but be careful not to burn the garlic! Then, pour in the white wine while scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those delicious browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce for a minute or two.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Add lemon juice and one cup of chicken broth to the pan, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the butter until melted and silky. Warm everything through and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
To serve this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe, spoon the creamy Parmesan rice onto plates, then generously ladle the chicken scampi on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish to add a bright, herbal finish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for its vibrant color and fresh, peppery flavor. For a little extra zest, grate a touch of lemon zest over the top just before serving. You can also add a light drizzle of good quality olive oil for shine and richness.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the rich, buttery chicken and rice. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make excellent light sides that complement the meal without overshadowing it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fuss-free dinner party, serve the chicken scampi atop a platter of garlic Parmesan rice garnished with parsley and lemon wedges on the side. You can also try layering the rice and chicken in individual ramekins or bowls for a charming single-serve presentation that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture. The chicken scampi sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you may want to stir in a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe freezes well, but it’s best to freeze components separately to preserve texture. Pack the chicken scampi and rice in separate freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You can add a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot and steaming throughout.
FAQs
Can I use another type of rice instead of jasmine?
Yes! While jasmine rice offers a lovely fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can substitute with basmati or long-grain white rice. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since different rice types absorb liquid differently.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
The white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
You can replace butter with olive oil if you want to keep it dairy-free or lighter. The sauce will still be delicious but may lack some of the rich, silky finish that butter provides.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth that complements the garlic and lemon without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to omit or adjust according to your spice preference.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be stirred into the finished sauce just to warm through. Keep in mind the cooking time will be shorter since the chicken is already cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and wonderfully approachable. Every element—from the garlicky, buttery sauce to the creamy Parmesan rice—is designed to delight your taste buds and nourish your soul. I truly hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every flavorful, comforting bite as much as I do.
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe features tender, golden-browned chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful garlic, white wine, and butter sauce, served over creamy, cheesy jasmine rice infused with garlic powder. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish the Rice: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to infuse rich flavor and creaminess. Keep the rice warm while preparing the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to add depth of flavor. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Lemon Juice and Broth: Stir in the lemon juice and 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the butter and stir until melted and everything is heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the warm garlic Parmesan rice onto plates. Top with the chicken scampi mixture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth if needed for a gluten-free option.
- White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure not to overcook the rice to keep it fluffy rather than mushy.
- Leftover chicken scampi can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
