Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and tender. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat; just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may need a bit longer.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that lovely flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but fresh is always best.

White Wine: Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce, but you can easily swap it out for more chicken broth if you’d rather avoid alcohol—or for a lighter flavor, a splash of lemon juice can also be helpful!

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is key for taste! If you’re short on Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can be substituted.

How Do You Get the Chicken Golden Brown?

Getting that golden brown color on your chicken makes it more than just tasty; it adds a lovely depth of flavor to your dish. Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken—this helps create a good sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want space around each piece to allow even cooking.
• Let the chicken cook 5-6 minutes on one side without moving it, then flip it to cook the other side.

How Do You Make Fluffy Garlic Parmesan Rice?

To ensure your rice turns out soft and fluffy, follow these steps:

• Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from being sticky.
• Toast the minced garlic in butter before adding the rice to enhance the flavor.
• When adding broth, keep the ratio 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid for the best results.
• Don’t lift the lid while rice is cooking—this lets steam escape, which can affect the texture.

By following these tips, you’ll make a delicious Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice that is sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional; you can substitute with extra chicken broth)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Time Needed:

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps the chicken to get that nice, golden brown color when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Rice:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add the rice and stir to coat it with the garlic butter. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and keep it covered to stay warm.

3. Cook the Chicken:

While the rice is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through (make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.

4. Make the Scampi Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any tasty browned bits. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance those flavors.

5. Finish the Sauce:

Now, stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed for extra flavor.

6. Combine and Serve:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top to coat it nicely. Serve the chicken alongside a generous portion of garlic Parmesan rice. Don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if you wish!

Enjoy your flavorful, comforting Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is to place it in the fridge overnight or put it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when cooking.

What Can I Substitute for White Wine in the Sauce?

If you prefer to skip the wine, simply increase the chicken broth by 1/2 cup. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of vinegar for acidity, which helps enhance the flavor of the sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Can I Make the Rice Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic Parmesan rice in advance. Just cook it, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Reheat it in the microwave, adding a small amount of broth or water to restore the texture.

Feel free to experiment and enjoy your cooking!