This Easy Chicken Scampi is a quick and tasty dish featuring tender chicken and a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s served over fluffy garlic Parmesan rice that will make your taste buds dance!
Cooking this meal is like a mini-party in the kitchen! I love how you can make it in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight treat or impressing dinner guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a substitution, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a quick alternative. Personal tip: the more garlic, the better—if you’re a garlic lover like me!
White Wine: While it adds depth, you can skip it or replace it with additional chicken broth or even lemon juice if you like more tang. I’ve done this many times, and the dish still turns out wonderfully.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for melting and flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano as a substitute or even a pre-grated cheese if you’re short on time.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to ensure it’s tender and juicy. First, make sure the chicken breasts are patted dry. This helps achieve that lovely golden color.
- Cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 5-6 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
- Don’t flip too soon—wait until it’s browned to get that nice crust.
- Always check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Rice?
This rice is super easy but so flavorful! The key is in the sautéing:
- Start by melting butter and cooking the garlic for just a minute—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Coat the rice in this buttery garlic mixture before adding the broth; it really amps up the flavor!
- Finally, let the rice rest with the lid on after cooking—this helps make it fluffy.
Enjoy making your Easy Chicken Scampi with all the tips to bring out the best flavors!
Easy Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water mixed with chicken bouillon)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Time Needed
This Easy Chicken Scampi dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
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 fragrant. Then, add the rice and stir well to coat the grains with the butter and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it has slightly reduced.
4. Combine & Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce. To serve, place the chicken scampi hot over a bed of the garlic Parmesan rice and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, flavorful Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method, sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or lemon juice for a tangy kick. Both work well and keep the sauce flavorful!
Can I Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for added flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken scampi and garlic Parmesan rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth to the rice to keep it moist!
