Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. You can replace them with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option if you prefer that route.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds fantastic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, swapping in garlic powder can work, but use less—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.

White Wine: This enhances the sauce but isn’t necessary. You can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt, but if you have salted, just adjust the salt in the dish to taste. Margarine can also work as a substitute.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for the best melting and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.

How Do You Cook Chicken for the Perfect Texture?

The key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it. Here’s how to ensure perfection:

• Start with chicken at room temperature for even cooking.
• Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Don’t move the chicken around in the pan. Let it sear to create a nice golden crust.
• Cook until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached; this keeps it juicy.

If you have a meat thermometer, it can help you avoid overcooking. Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken!

Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit fancy without taking too much effort!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. Then, stir in the rice, making sure it gets well-coated with the butter and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. After it’s done, mix in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while you prepare the chicken!

2. Cook the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add in the unsalted butter along with minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine if you’re using it. Bring this mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Mix in the lemon juice and if you like a little heat, add in the red pepper flakes.

4. Combine and Serve:

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, making sure to spoon that delicious sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the chicken scampi over a generous scoop of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs if preferred; just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shrimp can be a great substitute—just cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink!

Can I Make the Rice Ahead of Time?

Yes! The creamy garlic Parmesan rice can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if it’s thickened.

What Can I Substitute for White Wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, no worries! You can substitute it with more chicken broth, or simply add a squeeze of extra lemon juice for a bit of acidity to brighten the sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a little broth or cream if the rice needs a refresh!