This easy chicken scampi is a delightful dish cooked with tender chicken pieces, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s finished off with a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor!
Pair it with some fluffy garlic parmesan rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress. I love how this dish comes together quickly—perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time. You can easily switch to chicken thighs for more moistness or use shrimp if you’re a seafood lover!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds tons of flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/8 tsp per clove.
Pasta or Rice: While this recipe features rice, you could substitute it with cooked pasta if you prefer. It could be spaghetti or fettuccine, but remember to cook the pasta separately!
Chicken Broth or White Wine: Use chicken broth for a rich taste; vegetable broth is a good alternative for veggies or if you’re out of chicken broth. White wine adds depth, but you can skip it if you want a kid-friendly dish.
FreshParsley: For a brighter flavor, use fresh parsley, but dried parsley is a decent stand-in—just use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Perfectly Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice?
Cooking rice can be tricky, but here’s a simple guide. First, rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps keep it fluffy.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the rinsed rice, stirring to coat with the butter and garlic, then pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and raise the heat to high to bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes until tender.
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking, as it lets steam escape. Afterward, stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper before serving.
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 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important as it removes excess starch, making your rice fluffier. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—about 1 minute.
2. Cook the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the grains with the butter and garlic. Now, pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Finish the Rice:
Once the rice is done, remove it from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Keep it covered until you are ready to serve.
4. Cook the Chicken Scampi:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center—this should take about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and fresh lemon juice. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so it reduces slightly.
7. Add the Butter:
Now, stir in the unsalted butter and let it melt into the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
8. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently toss it to coat in the buttery sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
9. Stir in Fresh Parsley:
Finally, mix in the freshly chopped parsley for that burst of flavor and color.
10. Serve:
To serve, spoon the garlic parmesan rice onto plates and top it generously with the chicken scampi. If you like, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the quick-thaw method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine in the Sauce?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute! It adds flavor without the alcohol. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity if desired.
Can I Make the Rice in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic parmesan rice ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently with a little splash of chicken broth to bring back the moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
