ULTIMATE CHICKEN SCAMPI GARLIC PARMESAN RICE

Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese, all nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked, creamy rice – that’s Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice! This recipe is pure comfort food bliss and it’s easier to make than you think; I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking it perfectly, as it will finish cooking in the scampi sauce!

Whip Up the Scampi Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the scampi sauce.

Perfect Your Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Combine and Serve!

1. Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Rice onto plates. Top with the Chicken Scampi.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips and Tricks for Scampi Success

Choosing the Right Rice

While I recommend long-grain rice for this recipe, you can also use medium-grain rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Avoid using instant rice, as it won’t give you the creamy texture we’re aiming for.

Wine Not? (Or Chicken Broth!)

The dry white wine adds a lovely depth of flavor to the scampi sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute it with more chicken broth. The flavor will still be fantastic!

Getting the Sauce Just Right

The key to a perfect scampi sauce is to not overcook it. You want it to be thick enough to coat the chicken, but not so thick that it becomes gloppy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Make it Ahead (or in Parts!)

You can prep the components of this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the scampi sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also cook the rice in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the dish. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights!

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spice it Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.

Add Some Veggies!

Feel free to add some vegetables to the scampi sauce. Some great options include spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Simply sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic.

Make it Gluten-Free!

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that you are using gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. Crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that delicious scampi sauce!

For a truly special meal, serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Similar Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of garlic parmesan flavors, you might also like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. Or, for a quick and easy lunch, try Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. For grilling season, don’t miss out on Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! If you’re looking for a slow cooker option, then Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes is just the thing! Craving pasta? Give Chicken Scampi Pasta a try. Or, for a creamy and comforting bowl, try Creamy Orzo With Chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!

There you have it! Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice is a deliciously easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving comfort food. With its creamy texture, flavorful sauce, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dish. Happy cooking, my friend!

ULTIMATE CHICKEN SCAMPI GARLIC PARMESAN RICE

This Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe delivers tender chicken in a luscious garlic butter Parmesan sauce over creamy rice. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil for chicken
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste for chicken
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chicken broth for scampi sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste for scampi sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil for rice
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cloves garlic, minced for rice
• 2 cups chicken broth for rice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for rice
• 2 tbsp butter for rice
• Salt and pepper to taste for rice

Equipment

• large skillet
• medium saucepan
• mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• spatula
• fork
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the scampi sauce.
8. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
10. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork.
11. Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Rice onto plates. Top with the Chicken Scampi.
12. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. To add some spice, include red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free broth and Parmesan cheese and serve over cauliflower rice.