Description: A delightful and flavorful dish that combines succulent chicken scampi with creamy, aromatic garlic Parmesan rice. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a balanced and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. The buttery garlic sauce coating the chicken pairs beautifully with the rich and cheesy rice, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or more chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp heavy cream for added creaminess
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. This infuses the butter with a lovely garlic flavor that will permeate the entire dish.
Step 2: Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the garlic butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to enhance its nutty flavor. This step is crucial for preventing the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook gently and absorb all the flavorful broth. Check the rice occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out; if necessary, add a little more broth.
Step 4: Once the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (and heavy cream, if using) until well combined. The Parmesan adds a rich, salty, and cheesy element, while the cream creates a luxurious texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the rice warm while you prepare the chicken scampi.
Step 5: Make the chicken scampi. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. The combination of oil and butter provides both a high smoking point and rich flavor. Add the chicken strips to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Cook the chicken strips until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 7: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 8: Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (or additional chicken broth). Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened. The lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, while the wine deepens the flavor profile.
Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 10: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Step 11: Serve the chicken scampi immediately over the garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining the richness of garlic and Parmesan with the bright zest of lemon and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. The creamy rice is the perfect complement to the savory chicken scampi, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Additionally, it’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The dish is also versatile; you can easily adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or substitute the chicken with shrimp for a different twist. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that offers a delightful culinary experience.
Cooking Rating Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with some complementary sides. Consider serving it with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce
- A glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and parsley.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- To make the dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: ~510 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delectable and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful garlic sauce, and creamy Parmesan rice creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting. With its ease of preparation and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish will impress your family and friends with its incredible taste and texture. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors and make every meal a memorable one.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Brown rice typically requires about 45-50 minutes of simmering time. Also, the texture and flavor will be slightly different, with brown rice having a nuttier and chewier consistency.
- What if I don’t have chicken broth? Can I use water? While chicken broth adds a richer and more complex flavor to the dish, you can use water as a substitute if needed. However, you may want to add a bouillon cube or some extra seasonings to compensate for the lack of flavor. Vegetable broth is another good alternative that will provide a similar depth of flavor.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some good options include spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli. You can sauté the vegetables along with the garlic or add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to retain their crispness.
- Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, it is possible to make this recipe dairy-free with a few substitutions. Instead of butter, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. Omit the heavy cream altogether or replace it with a dairy-free creamer, such as coconut cream or oat cream.
- How can I make this recipe spicier? If you like your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a little extra kick, there are several ways to increase the spice level. You can add more crushed red pepper flakes, use a spicier variety of pepper, or incorporate a dash of hot sauce. Another option is to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet when sautéing the garlic.
