Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish easy and quick. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast can work well too. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute with tofu or mushrooms.

Garlic: Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor in both the scampi and the rice. If you run short, garlic powder is a great backup—just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be a decent alternative in a pinch. Lime juice also works well for a different twist!

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese gives the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan is fine if you need to save time. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a similar cheesy flavor.

How Do I Ensure My Rice Turns Out Fluffy and Tasty?

Cooking rice perfectly can be tricky, but following these steps will help. Always rinse your rice first to remove excess starch, which makes it sticky.

• Melt butter in the saucepan and sauté the garlic for a minute before adding the rice—this step enhances flavor.
• Add the correct amount of liquid (2:1 ratio for white rice) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low immediately and cover—this traps steam.
• Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases steam.
• After cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork. Stir in that lovely Parmesan cheese for added flavor!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

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

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from being too sticky. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Next, add the rice and stir it around to coat it with the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth and season with a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once it’s done, remove it from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and keep it covered while you make the chicken scampi.

2. Prepare the Chicken Scampi:

While the rice is cooking, it’s time to make the chicken scampi! Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if you’re using it) and bring it to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the butter and red pepper flakes (if using) until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, garnishing with chopped parsley.

3. Serve:

Now comes the best part—serving your meal! Scoop the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top it with the chicken scampi. If you like, garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges for added flavor. Enjoy your deliciously easy chicken scampi warm!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure a nice sear.

What Can I Substitute for White Wine?

If you’re not using white wine, simply add an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for sweetness. It’ll still keep the dish flavorful without the alcohol.

How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

To make this dish dairy-free, skip the butter and Parmesan cheese in both the chicken scampi and the rice. You can use olive oil instead of butter and try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in the rice.

Can I Store Leftovers?

Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to bring back moisture.