This Easy Chicken Scampi is a tasty dish where juicy chicken meets a buttery garlic sauce, all served with creamy Parmesan rice. Perfect for impressing friends or family!
I love how the garlic adds a nice kick to the meal, and who can resist that cheesy rice? It’s always a hit at my dinner table—maybe you’ll find the same! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. If you need a substitute, turkey cutlets work well, too. You could even use shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this dish as it adds a strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but it won’t taste as robust. I love using lots of minced garlic here!
White Wine: The wine adds depth; however, you can skip it if you’re avoiding alcohol. Just use an extra splash of chicken broth and a bit of lemon juice for brightness instead. I often use broth to keep it simple.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential for creamy rice. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheese-like flavor. I always sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to get it right! Start by flattening the cutlets to ensure even cooking. When you place them in the skillet, let them sear without moving them for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice crust.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F.
- After removing the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy before serving.
How Can I Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice?
For the rice, toasting it beforehand adds a nice nuttiness. Stir the rice until it’s coated with olive oil and garlic powder; this enhances flavor. Make sure to measure your broth accurately for perfectly tender rice!
- After cooking, let it sit covered to steam for a few minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese while it’s still hot to melt it evenly into the rice.
Enjoy serving this dish with your favorite vegetables or a simple salad!
Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into thin cutlets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for rice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy dish takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and about 20-25 minutes of cooking time, making it a delightful meal to whip up in roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and garlic powder; stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the rice is toasted and fragrant. Then, add 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. When done, remove the rice from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep it covered and set aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring this to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Now, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken back to the skillet and coat it well with the delicious scampi sauce. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the chicken scampi over the creamy garlic Parmesan rice immediately. Enjoy your delightful meal!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. Just cook them until they turn opaque and are fully cooked through; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes for shrimp, depending on their size.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the rice.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the scampi sauce ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the chicken fresh before serving for the best texture. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat it on the stove before mixing it with the chicken.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Scampi?
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the flavors. If you’re looking for bread, garlic bread or crusty rolls are a great option to soak up the sauce!
