Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Are you craving something that combines the rich, garlicky flavors of scampi with a comforting bed of creamy rice? Then you have to try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly seasoned garlic Parmesan rice that soaks up all those mouthwatering flavors. This dish feels like a special-occasion meal, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner that’ll impress everyone at the table. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without any of the hassle!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Rich & Flavorful: The chicken is cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Paired with the creamy, cheesy rice, it’s a flavor combination you won’t be able to get enough of.
Comforting & Satisfying: This dish strikes the perfect balance between light and hearty. The chicken is rich and flavorful, while the rice adds a comforting, creamy texture.
Quick & Easy: It may seem fancy, but this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes. So if you’re short on time but craving something indulgent, this recipe has you covered.
One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the mess.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients—add some veggies like spinach or broccoli, or switch out the chicken for shrimp if you prefer. The beauty of this dish is how flexible it is!

Ingredients in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice because they cook quickly and soak up all the delicious scampi sauce.
Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic adds that bold, aromatic flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Butter & Olive Oil: A blend of butter and olive oil creates the perfect sauce base for the chicken, giving it richness and depth of flavor.
Lemon: A splash of lemon juice adds the perfect touch of acidity to balance out the richness of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor to the rice, making it absolutely divine.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth helps cook the rice and infuses it with extra flavor.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best for this dish, soaking up the delicious sauce and becoming a creamy, cheesy base.
Parsley: Fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness to garnish the dish.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning everything to perfection.

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare the Garlic Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in some chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cook the Rice:
Add the rice to the skillet and stir it into the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Finish the Dish:
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the rice becomes creamy. Place the chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, and let it simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and rice warm, garnished with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, so dive in and savor each bite!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 490
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 37g
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of this dish.
Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are perfect side dishes to complement the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Garlic Bread: For those who love extra carbs (and extra garlic!), serve this with a side of crispy garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
For a Creamier Twist: Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled feta on top to give the dish an extra creamy texture and a little tang.

Additional Tips

Add Veggies: For some extra color and nutrients, you can toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to cook along with the chicken or rice.
Use Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp if you’re in the mood for seafood! Just cook the shrimp until they turn pink and tender.
Adjust the Lemon: If you love a zesty flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice to the scampi sauce for an extra punch of brightness.
Make It Spicy: Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering for a nice spicy kick.
Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add more broth or water.

Q2: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A2: It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, you can cook the frozen chicken—just be sure to adjust the cooking time.

Q3: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, or you could just add more veggies.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the rice and sauce ahead of time and reheat it before adding the chicken.

Q5: Can I add more cheese to the rice?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more Parmesan cheese or even some mozzarella for a creamier texture.

Q6: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A6: Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully in this dish. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q7: How can I make the rice creamier?
A7: You can make the rice even creamier by adding a bit of heavy cream or milk along with the chicken broth.

Q8: How long does this dish last in the fridge?
A8: This dish will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A10: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a cozy, comforting, and full-of-flavor meal that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Easy, quick, and oh-so-delicious, it’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance!

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