The Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is truly a cozy, flavorful meal that brings vibrant garlic, zesty lemon, and comforting Parmesan rice all together in perfect harmony. This dish bursts with delicious aroma and satisfying textures, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special occasion centerpiece. The juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection swim in a luscious garlic-butter sauce, while the creamy Parmesan-infused rice adds richness and depth. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple to prepare, so you’ll impress everyone at the table without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, enhancing the texture, and adding a pop of color to your Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender, they’re the perfect protein to soak up all the garlicky sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Butter: Used twice to bring buttery richness to both the sauce and the rice.
- Chicken Broth: Acts as both cooking liquid and sauce base, deepening the savory notes.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the dish with a refreshing tang.
- Long Grain White Rice: The classic base that’s fluffy and perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the rice for that creamy, cheesy finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped finely for a fresh, green garnish that livens up the plate.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly and bring balance to all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Parmesan Rice
Start by combining your long grain white rice with chicken broth in a saucepan. Bringing it to a boil and then letting it simmer covered will result in fluffy, tender rice that’s ready to soak up all the delicious flavors. Once cooked, stirring in butter and Parmesan cheese transforms this simple base into a creamy, rich side that’s downright irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
While the rice simmers, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper and get your skillet hot with olive oil. Searing the chicken on each side until golden-brown locks in all the juices and creates a beautiful crust. This step is key for tender meat that’s packed with flavor.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in minced garlic, letting it sauté until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Adding chicken broth and fresh lemon juice creates a bright and savory sauce, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of warmth.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlicky sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together briefly so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld. This ensures every bite is bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Place a generous scoop of creamy Parmesan rice on each plate, top with the tender chicken breasts, and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over everything. Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your go-to garnish here; its bright green color and subtle herbaceous notes perfectly complement the richness of the dish. A little extra grated Parmesan on top can also add an elegant final touch that will make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans which add a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy rice and buttery chicken. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced over the rice in a shallow bowl, letting guests spoon the garlicky sauce all around. You can also plate the rice in a neat mound using a small bowl or ring mold to give an elegant shape and then nestle the chicken on top for restaurant-quality presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice will absorb more sauce as it sits, making the dish even more flavorful—but keep in mind the texture may change slightly as the rice firms up.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This freezes well because the moisture content in the sauce helps prevent the rice from drying out too much.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the creamy sauce and prevent the rice from drying out. Stir often to warm everything evenly and keep that luscious garlic butter sauce coating every bite.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more texture, though it takes longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions and use the same chicken broth to maintain flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust or omit them to suit your spice tolerance. The dish is meant to be lively but not overwhelming.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp or scallops make fantastic alternatives for a seafood scampi vibe and cook quickly in the garlic butter sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How do I make the rice extra creamy?
Stirring in butter and Parmesan while the rice is still warm is key, and you can also add a splash of cream or milk if you want an even richer texture. Just be sure not to overcook the rice so it remains fluffy.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce beautifully, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch—just start with less and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special, whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites for cozy nights in!
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Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Scampi served with creamy garlic Parmesan rice, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are seared and simmered in a flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce with a hint of spice, paired with rich, cheesy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (for sauce)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (for sauce, homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to spice preference)
Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (for cooking rice)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of long grain white rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the butter and cheese melt and create a creamy texture. Keep warm while preparing the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Sauce: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet with the garlic. Stir to combine, then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Simmer everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through and allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Plate and Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates, top with the chicken breasts, and drizzle with the remaining garlic lemon sauce from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for a warm, cozy meal.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt levels and enhance flavor control.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce along with the lemon juice.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted, but add it earlier during cooking to release flavor.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pound them gently if needed.
