This Easy Chicken Scampi is a tasty dish packed with garlic and buttery goodness, served alongside creamy Parmesan rice. It’s a quick meal that feels special!
You’ll love how the chicken soaks up all that flavor, and the rice is like a warm hug on your plate. I often make this when I want something simple yet fancy—it never disappoints!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best here for a quick cook. If you have thighs, they work too! They stay juicy and are full of flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work. I prefer using more garlic than the recipe calls for for that robust taste!
White Wine: It adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, use extra chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. Just add a little splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is great for melting. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Here are some tips to follow:
- Start with room temperature chicken for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer; 165°F (75°C) is the safe zone.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this keeps it juicy!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice?
Getting the rice just right is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from getting gummy.
- When sautéing garlic, be careful not to brown it since burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Cover the pot while the rice cooks; this traps steam for fluffy grains!
Using these tips will help ensure that your Easy Chicken Scampi and Garlic Parmesan Rice turns out delicious every time! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes getting everything ready and then another 20 minutes cooking the chicken and rice. Perfect for a busy weeknight yet fancy enough for a weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step adds a lot of flavor right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth, white wine (or more chicken broth), and lemon juice. If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes too! Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Finish the Sauce and Chicken:
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts. Now, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the delicious sauce over each piece. Let it simmer together for another 2 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before removing it from heat!
5. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
While your chicken is resting, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (but be careful not to brown it). Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it in the butter and garlic.
6. Cook the Rice:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Finish the Rice:
Once done, remove the pot from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste—it’s all about the flavor!
8. Serve:
Time to eat! Place the chicken breasts on plates with a generous helping of garlic Parmesan rice on the side. Drizzle some extra scampi sauce over the chicken for that lovely finish, and garnish with more parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious home-cooked meal!
Enjoy your flavorful, comforting Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place them in the refrigerator overnight, or you can submerge them in cold water in a sealed bag for quicker results. Pat them dry before seasoning!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the scampi sauce and chicken ahead of time—just keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove until warmed through. The rice is best made fresh but can be reheated as well!
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you don’t have white wine on hand or prefer not to use it, you can simply double the amount of chicken broth in the recipe. For a bit of acidity, add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the wine’s flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal again!
