The Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is an absolute game-changer for dinner time. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts drenched in a luscious garlic-lemon butter sauce, perfectly paired with rice that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky goodness. This dish hits every note—rich, savory, and fresh—with vibrant pops of parsley and a hint of zing from lemon. If you’re craving something comforting yet elegant, quick but impressive, this recipe will become your new go-to in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting this irresistible dish. From the aromatic garlic and zesty lemon to the creamy Parmesan and rich butter, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate the chicken and rice to a whole new level.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that turns tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances all the spices.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the garlic.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky undertone and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for the luscious scampi sauce that coats the chicken.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the heart of this dish, providing a fragrant, savory punch.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Builds the base of the sauce, keeping it light yet flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings brightness and balances the richness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds an extra layer of fresh citrus aroma.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: A fresh herb that adds color and a mild, clean taste.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle spicy edge.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for the rice): Enriches the garlic Parmesan rice with a silky finish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for the rice): Infuses the rice with aromatic flavor from the start.
- 1 cup white rice: The creamy base that soaks up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth (for the rice): Cooks the rice perfectly while complementing the chicken.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice for that irresistible creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for the rice): Brightens the dish with its fresh green color and subtle flavor.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. These basic spices are key to unlocking flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken attains a gorgeous golden-brown color and is cooked through. Once done, set it aside—this will ensure the chicken stays juicy while you prepare the sauce and rice.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet with those flavorful browned bits left behind, lower the heat and add butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic releases its irresistible aroma, about 1 or 2 minutes. Next, pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the pan bottom to pick up all the tasty bits. Add the lemon zest for an extra layer of citrus brightness, then let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This sauce will be the magic glue pulling your chicken and rice together.
Step 3: Return Chicken to Sauce and Simmer
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon that heavenly scampi sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the chicken to soak up all the buttery, garlicky lemon goodness. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While the chicken is simmering, start your rice. In a separate medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté briefly to release its fragrance. Stir in the white rice and toast it for about one minute, which enhances the nutty aroma and adds a subtle depth to the final dish. Add chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer the rice gently for 15 minutes or until tender. Finally, once off the heat, stir in freshly grated Parmesan and parsley for that creamy, cheesy, freshly herbed finish.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Place a generous scoop of the garlic Parmesan rice on each plate, then top with the chicken breasts and spoon extra scampi sauce over everything. This method ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and texture contrasts, from tender protein to cheesy, buttery rice.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish is where you can get creative. Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a brilliant pop of green and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that cuts through the richness and complements the garlic and lemon perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness and adds a variety of textures. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic also work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve it family-style with the chicken and sauce plated on a large platter surrounded by the Parmesan rice. For an elegant dinner, arrange each portion neatly on individual plates and drizzle sauce in a decorative pattern. Adding a lemon wedge on the side not only brightens the plate, but also invites guests to add an extra squeeze of fresh flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken moist, it’s best to store the chicken and rice together with the sauce so everything retains its flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately or together for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the food completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the dish seems dry. This will help revive the sauce and keep the chicken tender. Microwaving works too—just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! While white rice is recommended for its texture and cooking time, you can use brown rice or even wild rice, but keep in mind they require longer cooking times and might change the overall texture of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure, especially with broth and Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Chicken thighs work wonderfully if you prefer dark meat. Shrimp or scallops can also be used for a seafood twist, as they pair beautifully with scampi sauce—but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. A few dashes of hot sauce can also amp up the heat while maintaining the flavor harmony.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
You can prep the rice up to a day ahead and reheat before serving. The sauce and chicken are best prepared fresh to maintain that perfect balance of juicy chicken and vibrant sauce.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and special. It’s simple to make but impressive enough to share with loved ones. Once you savor that balance of buttery garlic sauce, bright lemon, and cheesy rice alongside perfectly cooked chicken, you’ll want to make it time and time again. Cooking joy guaranteed!
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe offers a deliciously savory and lemony poultry dish paired with creamy parmesan-infused garlic rice. The chicken breasts are perfectly seared to golden-brown, then simmered in a fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce. The accompanying rice is cooked in chicken broth, sautéed with garlic, and enriched with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat on the same skillet and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the browned bits. Add lemon zest and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to intensify flavors.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the pieces, and allow it to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Prepare Garlic Butter for Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, just until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the white rice and toast it in the butter and garlic mixture for 1 minute to enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to make the rice creamy and flavorful.
- Serve: Plate the garlic parmesan rice and top with the chicken breasts spooned with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact in both the chicken sauce and rice.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a mild dish.
- Bone-in chicken breasts can be used but will require longer cooking time.
- For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil in the rice.
- Make sure to cover the rice while cooking to ensure even steaming and fluffy texture.
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