Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless is ideal for tender bites, but you can swap in chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you’re vegetarian, sauté some mushrooms or zucchini instead!

Olive Oil: While olive oil adds a nice flavor, you can use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer. Just be cautious with butter, as it can burn more easily.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch—1/8 teaspoon per clove. If you’re avoiding garlic, try shallots for a milder taste.

White Wine: This adds depth to your sauce, but chicken broth is a perfect substitute if you’re cooking without alcohol. You can also use a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is best for melting and flavor. For a budget-friendly option, try using Pecorino Romano. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative!

How Do I Make Sure My Rice Is Fluffy?

Getting fluffy rice might seem tricky, but it’s all about rinsing and simmering correctly! Start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch. This helps prevent clumping.

• In a saucepan, melt butter, then sauté garlic for only a minute to avoid burning.
• Add in the rinsed rice, stirring for 1-2 minutes. This coats the grains!
• Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer gently.
• After 15-18 minutes, let it rest off heat—don’t lift the lid right away! This lets it finish cooking properly.

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. These steps will leave you with deliciously fluffy Garlic Parmesan Rice every time!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful meal takes about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish, and it serves about 4 hungry people!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this helps remove excess starch. Drain well. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but don’t let it brown!). Now, add the rice and stir for 1-2 minutes to coat the grains with butter and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. When done, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, then keep it covered to stay warm.

2. Cook the Chicken Scampi:

While the rice is cooking, season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice; bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, stir in the butter until it’s melted and the sauce looks glossy. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to coat the chicken well.

3. Serve:

To serve, plate a generous portion of the Garlic Parmesan Rice. Top it with the Chicken Scampi and ensure to spoon some extra sauce on top. Finish by garnishing with the chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your easy, flavorful Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice!

This dish is a perfect balance of garlicky, lemony, and buttery flavors combined with cheesy, tender rice. It’s sure to impress your family or guests!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Can I Use Different Types of Rice?

Absolutely! You can substitute long grain white rice with other varieties like jasmine or basmati rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different rice types may require varying water amounts and cooking durations.

What Can I Substitute for Chicken in This Recipe?

If you’re looking for a meat-free alternative, you can use firm tofu or seitan. For a seafood option, shrimp or scallops work wonderfully with the scampi sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks much quicker!

How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Scampi and Rice?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm both the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice appears dry.

Can This Dish Be Made Ahead?

Yes! You can prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice and the Chicken Scampi separately ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving. However, for the freshest taste, it’s best to cook the chicken right before serving if possible.