This Easy Chicken Scampi is a tasty dish with juicy chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s paired with creamy garlic Parmesan rice that is simply delightful!
I love how the rice soaks up all the yummy flavors from the chicken. It makes dinner feel like a special treat, even after a busy day. You’ve got to try it! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor or even use shrimp for a variation!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that rich flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder—just adjust the amount down to about 1/8 teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
White Wine: This adds depth to the sauce. If you want to skip it, use more chicken broth instead. Some folks like a splash of lemon juice for acidity too.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for the creamy rice. If you’re dairy-free, a nut-based cheese can work, or you can skip it for a lighter dish.
How Do You Get Juicy Chicken in Scampi?
To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, sauté it just until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as that can cause steaming instead of browning. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil in the skillet before adding chicken.
- Cook without stirring for a few minutes to let them brown.
- Only turn them when they easily release from the pan.
- Cook until the center is no longer pink, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet before adding the garlic and sauce ingredients. This helps prevent overcooking the chicken!
Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then about 20-30 minutes cooking everything. It’s a quick, delicious meal that will have you sitting down to dinner in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the rice, making sure each grain is coated in that yummy garlic-butter mixture.
2. Cook the Rice:
Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then keep warm.
3. Cook the Chicken Scampi:
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook this for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring everything together. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve It Up:
To serve, place a generous scoop of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice on each plate and top it off with the chicken scampi mixture. Feel free to garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if you like. Dig in and enjoy every bite of this flavorful and comforting dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first! Thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator or using the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth. Adding a splash of lemon juice will help mimic the acidity the wine provides, keeping your sauce flavorful.
Can I Make the Rice Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic Parmesan rice a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the chicken scampi and rice on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a bit of broth if the rice has dried out.
