Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home

Introduction

Transform your weeknight dinners with this showstopping Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – a luxurious twist on classic shrimp scampi that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken cutlets bathed in a lemony garlic butter sauce sit atop creamy, cheesy rice for a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for date nights or family dinners, this dish brings Italian restaurant flair to your kitchen without the hefty price tag.

What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of bright, zesty flavors and comforting richness. The chicken stays juicy while absorbing the vibrant sauce, and the rice soaks up every delicious drop. You’ll love how the fresh parsley and lemon zest cut through the decadent butter and Parmesan for a truly addictive combination.

Why This Chicken Scampi Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

• 30-minute meal – Faster than takeout but tastes gourmet
• One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup required
• Crowd-pleasing – Appeals to both kids and adults
• Versatile base – Easily adapt with shrimp or veggies

The magic happens when the crispy-edged chicken mingles with the garlicky pan sauce, creating layers of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, the creamy Parmesan rice makes this a complete meal in one beautiful dish.

How to Make Perfect Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For the chicken scampi:

• Protein: 1.5 lbs chicken cutlets (or breasts pounded thin)
• Sauce base: Butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine, lemon
• Aromatics: Shallot, red pepper flakes, parsley
• Parmesan rice: Long-grain white rice, chicken broth, heavy cream

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant (30 seconds)
2. Add rice and toast slightly (2 minutes)
3. Simmer with broth and cream until tender (15-18 minutes)
4. Stir in Parmesan and season to taste

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Scampi

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika
2. Sear in batches until golden (3-4 minutes per side)
3. Make the sauce: Sauté shallots, garlic, and pepper flakes
4. Deglaze with wine and lemon juice
5. Finish with butter and parsley

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Slice chicken on the diagonal
2. Plate rice and top with chicken
3. Spoon sauce generously over everything
4. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

• Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking (1/2-inch thickness)
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken
• Adjust lemon to taste – start with 2 tbsp and add more if needed
• Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices

For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning the garlic (cook just until fragrant)
• Overcooking the rice (aim for al dente texture)
• Skipping the wine (substitute with extra broth if needed)
• Using cold butter for sauce (room temp incorporates better)

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Perfect pairings:

• Crispy roasted asparagus
• Garlic bread for sauce dipping
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Creative variations:

• Shrimp scampi version: Use 1 lb large shrimp instead of chicken
• Mushroom lovers: Add sautéed cremini mushrooms
• Lightened-up: Substitute half the butter with olive oil

FAQs

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Just ensure your chicken broth is GF.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Keep in airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Q: Can I use brown rice?

A: Yes, but adjust liquid ratios and cooking time accordingly.

Q: What wine works best?

A: Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice proves that impressive meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With its golden chicken, vibrant sauce, and creamy rice, it’s a complete meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for busy nights.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 30 mins

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Description

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. This dish features tender chicken in a savory garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of rich, creamy Parmesan rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup white wine

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

 

Add the rice and stir to coat with the garlic butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

 

Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

 

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

 

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

 

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

 

Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

 

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

 

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Serve the chicken scampi over the garlic Parmesan rice, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan rice make it a comforting and delicious dish your family will love.