Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice

Welcome to a culinary delight that will elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level – Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice. This recipe is a symphony of flavors that marries tender seared chicken with buttery garlic-infused rice and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-skillet wonder that not only delivers on taste but also makes cleanup a breeze, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something comforting and delicious fast.

Imagine the aroma of minced garlic sizzling in butter, the savory notes of Parmesan melting into every bite of fluffy rice, and the zing of fresh lemon juice cutting through the richness. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, loved by family and friends alike for its cozy and bright flavors. Whether you’re hosting unexpected guests or simply treating your loved ones to a special meal, Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice is sure to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

The versatility of this recipe knows no bounds – feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a meatless option. You can even experiment with different herbs and vegetables to tailor it to your taste. And don’t forget the option to prepare ahead and freeze for a quick and fuss-free meal on busy days. With its irresistible flavors and ease of preparation, Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice is bound to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy one-skillet meal for busy nights
• Versatile recipe – swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, or use different types of rice
• Can be made in advance and reheated for convenience
• Offers a cozy and bright flavor profile with garlic, Parmesan, and lemon

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights or unexpected guests, this dish comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
• Comforting and Delicious: Tender chicken strips paired with buttery garlic Parmesan rice create a cozy and bright combination that will satisfy your cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by picky eaters and kids who always ask for seconds, this dish is a hit at family tables and potlucks.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, use different types of broth, or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare components in advance, freeze for later use, or store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, making it convenient for meal planning.
• Customizable: Add cherry tomatoes for juiciness, cream for a cozier finish in winter, or herbs from the garden for a fresh twist, letting your family be the taste testers.
• Crowd Pleaser: Always disappearing fast whenever it’s served, this dish is a hit at gatherings, holidays, and potlucks, receiving rave reviews from recipients.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice

Chicken Scampi

• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch strips
• Salt, to taste

Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons crispy toasted breadcrumbs, for garnish (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain)

Pro Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice

Pro Tip 1: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese in this dish. It adds a rich, nutty taste that enhances the overall dish. If you want to take it up a notch, consider grating your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated cheese.

Pro Tip 2: To save time on busy nights, prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and freeze them together in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the mixture and add it to the skillet with rice and broth. This way, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.

Pro Tip 3: Customize this dish to your liking by adding extra vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for more nutrition and color. You can also try different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a variation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs from your garden to create unique flavors that your family will love.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice

Step 1: Prepare and Cook Chicken

Season chicken strips with salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze Pan

In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté for 1 minute. Pour in white wine and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer Rice

Add uncooked white rice, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Chicken, and Garnish

Mix grated Parmesan into the rice until well combined. Top with cooked chicken and drizzle with reserved garlic butter sauce. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh chopped parsley.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored this way, the chicken scampi will stay tasty for up to three days. Since the rice may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, consider adding a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep the dish creamy and flavorful. For longer storage, you can freeze individual servings in zip-top bags for up to a month. Thaw the frozen dish overnight in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Feel free to make some modifications to the dish based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. You can swap the protein and use shrimp or tofu for a meatless option. If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth can be used, though the flavor may be milder. Additionally, brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. To speed up the cooking process, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken, adding it after the rice is cooked. Serve your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for added juiciness and flavor in the dish. Additionally, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be substituted to enhance the sauce without being overpowering.

To make the dish vegetarian, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a lighter taste, or you can use water with extra seasoning. Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas right before serving can introduce more nutrition and color to the dish.

While freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and melt, pre-grated Parmesan can be used as a substitute. This dish can also be prepared in advance, and the garlic Parmesan rice can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice in individual mini cast iron skillets. This not only adds a rustic touch to the presentation but also keeps the dish warm throughout the meal, allowing everyone to enjoy their portion piping hot until the last bite. Garnish each skillet with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Another fun way to serve this dish is by stuffing bell peppers with the Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice mixture and baking them until the peppers are tender. The flavors meld together beautifully inside the roasted peppers, creating a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a dinner party or a cozy family meal. Top each stuffed pepper with a dollop of creamy goat cheese before serving for an extra layer of richness and tanginess.

FAQs for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.

What type of white wine should I use for this recipe?

Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the sauce without overpowering it.

Can I prepare the garlic Parmesan rice in advance?

Yes, the garlic Parmesan rice can be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in this recipe?

Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor, or water with extra seasoning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered. The combination of tender chicken, buttery garlic rice, and savory Parmesan cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – try swapping the protein, adding seasonal vegetables, or experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it your own. The beauty of Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a staple in your recipe collection.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice and watch it disappear before your eyes. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, loved for its delicious flavors and easy preparation. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and satisfying meal!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice

“Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice: Seared chicken, buttery garlic rice, and Parmesan come together in one skillet for a cozy, bright, and crowd-pleasing meal.”

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Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineAmerican Italian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (One large skillet meal)

Ingredients

Chicken Scampi

• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch strips
• Salt, to taste

Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons crispy toasted breadcrumbs, for garnish (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain)

Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.
2. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze Pan: In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté for 1 minute. Pour in white wine and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the sauce.
3. Simmer Rice: Add uncooked white rice, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Finish with Cheese, Chicken, and Garnish: Mix grated Parmesan into the rice until well combined. Top with cooked chicken and drizzle with reserved garlic butter sauce. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh chopped parsley.