The Zesty Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that burst with flavor and comfort.

This mouthwatering chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice delivers an elegant meal without complex preparation.

Succulent chicken pieces sizzle in a zesty white wine sauce, creating an aromatic experience that tantalizes every sense.

Fragrant garlic and parmesan rice serve as the perfect complementary base for the tender, juicy chicken.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of rich, savory notes that dance across your palate.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily master at home.

Prepare to savor a meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly sophisticated.

Why Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Is Special

• This chicken scampi delivers incredible taste with minimal kitchen effort, blending zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic into one mouthwatering dish.
• The recipe teaches simple skillet skills like reducing sauces, creating pan glazes, and perfectly cooking chicken strips that can transfer to multiple other meal preparations.
• Professional-level flavors emerge from basic ingredients, allowing home cooks to produce a sophisticated dinner that rivals restaurant quality without complicated techniques or expensive components.
• Swap wine for additional broth, adjust spice levels, or include different herbs to personalize the recipe, making it adaptable for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Scampi

• Chicken Strips: Tender pieces of chicken that form the main protein of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Minced Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Add depth and brightness to the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking and adds subtle flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and richness to both the sauce and rice.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a tangy, bright element to the scampi sauce.
• White Wine: Optional ingredient that adds complexity to the sauce.
• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich texture in the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the rice.

• Rice: The base grain that serves as a flavorful side dish to the chicken scampi.

Tools to Make Chicken Scampi Effortless

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the scampi sauce, with enough space to sear and simmer ingredients.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking rice with chicken broth and garlic, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and scraping browned bits from skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring broth, wine, and seasonings.
• Tongs: Useful for turning and handling chicken strips while cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Scampi Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken strips and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets a nice, even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken strips into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Unleash Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce Base

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• White wine

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 5: Reduce and Develop Flavors

Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate its incredible flavors.

Step 6: Enrich with Butter

Swirl in butter until it melts completely, creating a silky, rich sauce that will coat every inch of the chicken.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it lovingly to ensure every piece gets drenched in the mouthwatering sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle Fresh Herbs

Scatter chopped parsley over the chicken, adding a burst of fresh color and flavor.

Step 9: Craft Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 10: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove rice from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese.

Season with salt and pepper to create a creamy, flavorful base.

Step 11: Plate and Serve

Spread the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates.

Top with the succulent chicken scampi, generously spooning extra sauce over everything.

Sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Luscious Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Generously salt and pepper chicken strips before cooking to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning or drying out the meat.
• Add butter gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, well-integrated sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• If skipping white wine, replace with extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.
• Let rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to ensure fluffy, separated grains that absorb the Parmesan's richness.

Creative Chicken Scampi Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and use gluten-free chicken broth for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and select dairy-free chicken broth for individuals with lactose intolerance.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, keeping the signature garlic and herb sauce for a meat-free version of the dish.

Serving Chicken Scampi with Style

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Create a vibrant dish by adding colorful roasted bell peppers or zucchini slices around the chicken to enhance visual appeal and nutritional value.
• Lemon Zest Twist: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the dish just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a citrusy aroma that complements the garlic and chicken.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that matches the light, tangy sauce and brings out the dish's delicate flavors.
• Herb Garden Finish: Scatter additional fresh herbs like basil or chives on top for an extra layer of fresh, green flavor that elevates the entire meal's presentation and taste.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi

• Transfer leftover chicken scampi and rice to airtight containers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and chicken separate from rice to maintain texture.
• Pack cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Store rice separately to prevent soggy texture. Label containers with date and contents.
• Place chicken and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Warm rice separately for 30-45 seconds. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What is chicken scampi?

A classic Italian-American dish featuring chicken cooked in a buttery, garlicky white wine sauce, typically served over rice or pasta.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken strips?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips or use whole chicken breasts, just ensure they are evenly cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is white wine necessary for this recipe?

No, you can substitute white wine with additional chicken broth or leave it out entirely if you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for an extra kick of heat.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken scampi nestles atop a bed of garlic parmesan rice, creating a harmonious blend of Italian-inspired flavors. Zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and perfectly seared chicken promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Aromatics and Rice:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken strips with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken to separate plate.
3. Use identical skillet to sauté minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds, releasing aromatic essence.
4. Deglaze pan by introducing chicken broth, lemon juice, and optional white wine, carefully scraping accumulated browned remnants from skillet surface.
5. Allow liquid mixture to reduce and concentrate flavors during 3-4 minute simmering process.
6. Incorporate butter, stirring until completely melted and seamlessly integrated into sauce.
7. Reintroduce seared chicken into skillet, gently coating each piece with luxurious sauce.
8. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across chicken for vibrant color and herbal undertone.
9. Prepare rice by combining grains, chicken broth, and minced garlic in saucepan. Bring to rapid boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid absorbs and rice reaches tender consistency.
10. Remove rice from heat, fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper according to preference.
11. Plate garlic Parmesan rice as foundation, arrange chicken scampi atop rice. Generously drizzle remaining sauce over dish. Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and prevents steaming.
• Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant taste, avoiding pre-minced versions which can taste flat and lose their aromatic punch.
• Select a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the sauce’s depth without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat-based ingredients with alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg