Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook up tender and juicy. If you want a quick alternative, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it in at the end to warm it through.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but you’ll miss out on the fresh punch. Personally, I love using extra garlic!

White Wine: This is optional, but it adds a nice depth to the sauce. If you’d like to keep it alcohol-free, simply use extra chicken broth or lemon juice for a similar flavor. I usually prefer the broth for a lovely richness.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is great for its salty and nutty flavor. In a bind, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. I personally enjoy the extra creaminess that real cheese brings!

How Do You Get Juicy Chicken in Scampi?

Cooking chicken properly is important to get it juicy! Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are seasoned well to enhance the flavor. Here are my favorite tips:

• Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear—this locks in moisture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the chicken space to cook evenly.
• Once it’s golden brown and cooked through, remove it from heat to rest before serving. This keeps it tender!

Always use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done—165°F is the magic number!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and quick!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté them until fragrant, which takes about 1 minute. Next, add 1 cup of long-grain white rice, stirring to coat it well with the butter and garlic. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a boil. After that, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside while you prepare the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken Scampi:

Start by seasoning the 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute. If you’re using white wine, pour it in now along with 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of butter, melting them together. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend all the flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving!

3. Serve:

Now it’s time to dish up! Plate the creamy Garlic Parmesan rice and place the Chicken Scampi on top or alongside, as you prefer. For a touch of freshness, you can garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge. Sit back and enjoy your flavorful and comforting meal!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. Always make sure they’re fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

What Can I Substitute for White Wine?

If you’d prefer to skip the wine, you can use additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with broth for a similar flavor. This ensures you maintain that depth of flavor in your sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Can I Make the Rice Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice up to two days in advance. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Freshly stir in some additional Parmesan for extra creaminess!