If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances zesty, buttery flavors with a comforting touch, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection with an irresistibly fragrant garlic sauce, all served atop creamy, cheesy rice infused with fresh parsley and a touch of black pepper. Effortless to prepare yet packed with flavor, this recipe shines as a weeknight hero or a special dinner that never feels fussy. You’ll love how the bright lemon and garlic accents awaken the senses while the Parmesan rice adds just the right creamy, savory finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, but every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of taste and texture that defines this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. From the juicy chicken breasts to the sharp burst of fresh lemon juice, each element comes together simply yet thoughtfully.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein that gets beautifully golden and juicy when seared just right.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that perfect crispy sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Divided throughout the recipe, it brings rich, silky depth to both the sauce and rice.
- Garlic: Finely minced for maximum flavor release—this is what gives the dish its aromatic punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything with a fresh, zesty kick.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a splash of color and herby freshness that lightens the richness.
- Uncooked white rice: The base of the garlic Parmesan rice, providing a fluffy texture to soak up all those delicious juices.
- Chicken broth: Used both in the sauce and for cooking rice, lending wonderful savory notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty creaminess that elevates the rice to a whole new level.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: A subtle spice that rounds out the seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting those chicken breasts dry—this little step ensures they get beautifully browned instead of steaming in the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This forms a flavorful crust locking in all the juiciness. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest while you work on the sauce and rice.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Lemon Sauce
Using the same skillet saves you from extra dishes and lets you capture all that leftover flavor. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter, then quickly sauté the finely minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—this step is where the sauce’s aroma really takes off. Pour in fresh lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let this mixture simmer briefly to reduce slightly, intensifying the bright, savory flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
While the sauce simmers, start on the rice for that creamy, comforting component that makes this dish sing. Use a separate saucepan to cook the white rice in the remaining chicken broth according to package directions. Once the rice is tender and fluffy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a bit of butter, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of ground black pepper. These additions transform ordinary rice into a luxurious, flavorful base that perfectly complements the zesty chicken scampi.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Slice the rested chicken breasts into thick, juicy strips, then return them to the skillet with the simmering garlic lemon sauce. Toss gently to warm through and coat each piece with that vibrant, buttery glaze. This step infuses the chicken slices with even more irresistible flavor and ensures every bite is moist and tasty.
Step 5: Plate and Add Final Touches
To serve, spoon a generous bed of the garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate. Lay the sliced chicken on top, then drizzle over any remaining pan sauce for an extra glossy, flavorful finish. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley to brighten the presentation and add just a touch more cheesy richness. It’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and texture go hand in hand here. Besides the Parmesan and parsley sprinkled on top, consider adding a few lemon wedges on the side to let everyone brighten their dish with a squeeze of citrus. A little extra cracked black pepper or even thinly sliced green onions can also add a lovely final flourish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. For a touch of crunch and color contrast, a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the chicken slices fanned neatly over the rice on a large platter garnished with bright parsley sprigs. Alternatively, use individual ramekins to mold the Parmesan rice before topping with chicken and sauce for a refined plating effect. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of finely grated lemon zest over the table adds an elegant finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal an eager repeat. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it up.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately to maintain their textures. The chicken scampi sauce can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir the rice occasionally while warming to keep it creamy. Avoid overheating which can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more chewiness, though it requires a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Just be sure to use enough chicken broth for proper moisture.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley if I don’t have any?
Dried parsley can work in a pinch but won’t have the same fresh brightness. Alternatively, fresh basil or cilantro can offer a different but delicious herbal note.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, just double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese don’t contain any additives with gluten.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce?
Garlic cooks very quickly, so sauté it over medium or medium-low heat for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly and add lemon juice or broth promptly to stop it from cooking further.
Can I double this recipe to serve a larger group?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to ensure even searing, and adjust ingredients proportionally. The garlic Parmesan rice scales easily as well.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for sharing around the dinner table on any occasion. Its blend of bright, buttery sauce with creamy, cheesy rice promises smiles with every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a simple weeknight meal or a dinner party, I can’t recommend diving into this recipe enough. Go ahead and make it your own—you won’t regret it!
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a zesty garlic lemon sauce, served over creamy parmesan-infused rice. The dish balances the richness of butter and parmesan with the brightness of fresh lemon and parsley, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth, then simmer the sauce gently to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook rice: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, cook the white rice using the remaining chicken broth according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in the parmesan cheese, a small amount of butter, chopped fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper for a creamy and flavorful finish.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet with the reduced garlic lemon sauce. Warm through, coating the chicken well with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic parmesan rice and top with the sliced chicken. Spoon any remaining pan sauce over the dish and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired for an appealing finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the rice.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied for faster cooking if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
