Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. I prefer thighs for their juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, cut chicken into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time!

Butter: The combination of butter and olive oil gives great flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan butter substitute or just stick to olive oil.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that lovely aroma and flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you could use garlic powder—just use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of 1 clove.

White wine: A dry white wine enhances the scampi sauce, but if you prefer to skip the alcohol, chicken broth works well too. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning!

Rice: Long-grain rice works best for this dish. If you need a gluten-free option, consider substituting with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?

Getting juicy, well-cooked chicken is key to this recipe’s success. Here are steps to ensure you’re on point:

• Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to get a good sear.
• Test for doneness by cutting one piece; it should be white with no pink inside and juices should run clear.

How Can I Make the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Rice?

The garlic parmesan rice is the star of this dish. Follow these tips for peak flavor:

• Start by toasting the rice briefly in butter and garlic—this adds a nutty flavor.
• Make sure to measure the broth precisely; the rice will absorb this for great taste and texture.
• Fluff the rice after cooking to keep those grains separate and light.

These tips and ingredient insights should help you whip up an easy and delicious chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re short on time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the rice and stir to coat it with the garlic butter. Add the chicken broth, a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

2. Fluff and Add Parmesan:

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Once done, keep the rice warm while you prepare the chicken.

3. Prepare the Chicken Scampi:

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Cook the Garlic and Deglaze:

In the same skillet, you can add a bit more butter if needed. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the pan’s bottom to release any flavorful browned bits. Let this liquid simmer and reduce by half for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Stir in the lemon juice and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce, heating through for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the chicken scampi over the garlic parmesan rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a colorful and fresh finish. Enjoy your meal!

This recipe serves about 4 people, and I guarantee your family will love it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator or by using the cold water method before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from being rubbery.

How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the chicken broth with a gluten-free broth and ensure that your Parmesan cheese is free from additives. This will maintain the delicious flavors without the gluten.

Can I Prep This Meal Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic parmesan rice and chicken scampi in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

What Can I Serve with Chicken Scampi?

This chicken scampi is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. Garlic bread makes a fantastic accompaniment too!

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions about the recipe!