Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer.

White Wine: A dry white wine adds a lovely flavor, but if you don’t have any, chicken broth is a perfect substitute. It keeps the recipe family-friendly and still delicious!

Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can add that cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also use Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper taste.

Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is light and fragrant. If you want something different, try using brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition, though you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.

How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?

Cooking chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about the technique. Start by ensuring the chicken breasts are all roughly the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly. If they’re thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them slightly.

• Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary, as this allows for even cooking and browning.
• Keep an eye on cooking time, around 5-7 minutes on each side usually works, but use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).

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
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dish will take about 30-35 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then roughly 20-25 minutes cooking everything to perfect deliciousness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

First, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start!

2. Cook the Rice:

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma. Next, stir in the rice, coating it well with the butter and garlic. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, 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 cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until it’s nice and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep the rice warm on low heat while you proceed to the chicken.

4. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

5. Make the Scampi Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and if you like a bit of heat, toss in the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) along with the lemon juice, making sure to scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 2-3 minutes.

6. Combine with Butter:

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts and the sauce is nice and smooth.

7. Reheat the Chicken:

Now return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, spooning that delicious sauce over the top. Allow it to cook for another minute to heat through.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken for a fresh finish. Serve the chicken scampi alongside the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and enjoy this tasty home-cooked meal!

Give yourself a pat on the back for making this flavorful, easy-to-make chicken scampi paired with creamy garlic Parmesan rice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, but it’s important to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.

What Can I Substitute for White Wine?

If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute. It still provides great flavor to the sauce. You could also use a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar mixed with water for a similar acidity without the alcohol.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop. If the rice seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to refresh its creaminess!

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a rich flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the rice and omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian meal!