Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both elegant and comforting, our Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect choice. This dish features tender chicken breast in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce, paired with flavorful garlic Parmesan rice. It’s a delicious combination that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious meal from scratch!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

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

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

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

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Scampi

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice with the garlic butter.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations

• For a Creamier Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce for extra richness.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the scampi for added flavor and texture.
• Rice Variations: Substitute the Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a beautifully balanced meal that combines succulent chicken in a garlic butter sauce with savory, cheesy rice. It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

We’d love to see how your Chicken Scampi turns out! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media with your delicious meal.