Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is a winner for family dinners. Just sauté the chicken, mix in the sauce, and let the rice do its creamy thing. Simple, delicious, and ready in no time!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but breasts work great too! You could also swap in shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian take.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to that rich flavor. On a pinch? Use garlic powder, but fresh is always best. I like to add an extra clove for a stronger taste!

White Wine: If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is a solid substitute. You can even use a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water for a similar acidity. Just adjust to taste!

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the pre-grated kind. For a vegetarian option, look for cheese made without animal rennet or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How Do You Make Creamy Rice Without It Being Gummy?

Getting the rice just right is crucial! Rinse the rice before cooking—this washes off excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky. After cooking, let it sit off the heat for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork. This helps keep it light and fluffy!

• Melt butter and sauté garlic before adding rice for flavor.
• Use the right water-to-rice ratio; typically, it’s 2 cups of liquid for 1 cup of rice.
• Let it rest covered after cooking—it keeps cooking slightly and absorbs any leftover liquid.

What’s the Best Way to Sauté Chicken for Perfect Texture?

Sautéing chicken properly ensures tenderness. Start with a hot pan to get a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of browning it. Flip them only once for an even cook.

• Season chicken pieces well with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip to brown the other.
• Remove the chicken from the pan to rest; this keeps it juicy!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Chicken Scampi takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including the cooking time for the rice and the chicken sautéing. It’s quick, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma—but be careful not to let it brown! Then, add the rice and stir well to coat the grains in that garlicky goodness. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Once done, remove it from the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep it covered to stay warm and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken Scampi:

While your rice is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate for now.

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—oh, it’s going to smell great! Next, carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) along with the lemon juice. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan to pick up all those delicious browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to bring out all those flavors and reduce slightly.

Now, stir in the butter and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), allowing the butter to melt and combine into the sauce. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give it a gentle toss to coat it well in that luscious sauce. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes to warm it through.

3. Serve:

Time to plate! Spoon generous amounts of that creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate and top it with the chicken scampi. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy this wonderful meal with family or friends!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?

Absolutely! Feel free to use shrimp instead of chicken for a delicious seafood variation. Just adjust the cooking time—shrimp cook quickly, so they usually only need about 3-4 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. You can also try tender pieces of firm tofu for a vegetarian version.

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, you’ll need to cook brown rice for about 40-45 minutes. Adjust the broth to about 2.5 cups for 1 cup of brown rice to ensure it’s properly cooked.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. Stir frequently to heat evenly.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While the chicken and rice are best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic Parmesan rice in advance and reheat it when ready to eat. You can also prep the chicken marinade the night before, making it quicker to cook on the day. Just remember, the sauce is best made fresh for optimal flavor!