Savory Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe Guide

There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and that hint of lemon that just makes my heart sing! Growing up, I was lucky enough to have family dinners filled with laughter, stories, and aromatic dishes wafting through the air. One of our absolute favorites was chicken scampi. It always felt like a special occasion back then, and today, I still get that warm, cozy feeling whenever I whip up this delightful Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, the dish encapsulates comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Budget-friendly using simple ingredients.
• Designed for ultimate comfort with rich flavors.
• Fun to customize with your favorite veggies or spices!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh adds a punch!)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnishing
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (you can also use water)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making this heavenly dish!

1. Start by heating half of the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. The golden aroma will start dancing around your kitchen!
2. Once it’s hot and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic turns bitter!
3. Next, toss in the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. While the chicken cooks, let’s prepare the garlic parmesan rice! In a separate medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for around 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
5. Once the chicken is ready, squeeze in the lemon juice and add the zest. Stir in remaining butter until it’s melted and well incorporated. The smell here is absolutely divine!
6. Once the rice is ready, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it’s nicely combined. The cheese gives it that creamy, dreamy texture.
7. To serve, spoon the garlic parmesan rice onto the plate and top it generously with the chicken scampi. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful dish you’ve created!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s play a little in the kitchen:

• Feeling adventurous? Add some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor burst!
• If gluten-free is your jam, swap out the all-purpose rice for a gluten-free rice blend!
• For an extra kick, replace regular butter with herb-infused butter, or add a splash of white wine when cooking the chicken.
• Want to amp up that cheesy goodness? Feel free to stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone into the rice while it’s still warm.

Serving Suggestions

For a truly comforting meal, I love to serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. A warm, crusty bread on the side is a must—perfect for scooping up that buttery, garlic-rich sauce! And if you’re like me and love a cozy drink with dinner, a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing that lemony kick.

Storage Tips

Leftover heaven awaits! To store your delicious Chicken Scampi, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to keep everything juicy. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp chicken scampi is a delightful twist. Just adjust the cooking time, as shrimp cooks much quicker than chicken—around 3-4 minutes should do!

What if I don’t have jasmine rice?

No problem at all! Any long-grain rice will work in this recipe. Feel free to get creative with types like basmati or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Just adjust the cooking times as needed!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For sure! You can prepare the chicken scampi and the rice separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

What’s the best way to reheat the dish?

The best way? Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a little broth or water to keep things moist. You can also use the microwave, but ensure you’re not heating it too long to prevent the chicken from drying out!

Conclusion

There you have it, my lovely friends! A big warm hug of a dish, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is sure to bring smiles around your dinner table. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the wonderful symphony of flavors and aromas that come together in each bite. Don’t forget to share how you enjoyed it in the comments! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with joy and deliciousness!

Savory Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe Guide

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Experience Chicken Scampi paired with creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Perfect for dinner this dish is a delightful mix of flavors youll love 150 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Heat half of the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

In a separate saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer, cover, and cook for around 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Once chicken is cooked, squeeze in lemon juice and zest. Stir in remaining butter.

Fold in grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until combined.

Serve rice topped with chicken scampi and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 550 calories
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe, Italian Comfort Food