Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a cozy weeknight dinner but tastes as impressive as something you’d happily serve to guests, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: is about to become your new go-to. Tender, golden chicken rests atop a fragrant bed of buttery, garlicky rice—each bite laced with creamy parmesan and infused with the zing of white wine and red pepper. It’s rich, aromatic, and as comforting as it is craveable. At the same time, it’s so simple and approachable, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping this up all along.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes this dish such a standout is its straightforward ingredient list. Every item plays a crucial role: from the chicken that soaks up the scampi flavors to the rice that carries every ounce of buttery, garlicky goodness. You probably already have most of these essentials in your kitchen.
- Chicken tenderloins: Their quick-cooking nature means juicy, tender results every time—no dry chicken here!
- Salt and pepper: The backbone of seasoning; don’t skimp, as they bring out all the other flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a layer of savory depth when seasoning the chicken.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken to golden, flavorful perfection.
- Butter (1 stick, divided): Provides luscious richness for both the sauce and the rice.
- Minced garlic: The star aroma—the more fragrant, the better. Use fresh for maximum punch.
- Red pepper flakes: Just enough to wake up your palate without overwhelming it.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Layering your salt ensures every component is properly seasoned.
- Dry white wine: Adds brightness and subtle complexity; choose something crisp you’d enjoy sipping.
- White rice (1 1/2 cups, uncooked): The tender, starchy stage for all the scampi action.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Cooking the rice in broth instead of water boosts savory flavor enormously.
- Fresh grated parmesan cheese: Melty, salty, and nutty—it brings the signature finish to the dish.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice:
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning your chicken tenderloins on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat—once it shimmers, nestle in the chicken. Sauté until you’ve achieved a gorgeous golden brown on each side and the meat is just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover it to keep warm, and set aside. This step locks in moisture and starts to build those tasty layers of flavor that define Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice:.
Step 2: Create the Garlicky Butter Base
To the same skillet (no need to clean those delicious browned bits!), add your butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté gently, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes—keep a close eye to make sure the garlic turns fragrant but doesn’t brown or burn. You want an irresistibly buttery, garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen that’s the real soul of this dish.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Reduce
Turn up the heat to medium-high, then pour in the white wine. Immediately stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up the fond (all those tasty little browned spots) from the bottom of the pan. Let this lively mixture bubble away so the wine reduces by half—about 5 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors and gives Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: its signature scampi brightness. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of this liquid gold and set aside for a final drizzle later.
Step 4: Toast Rice for Depth of Flavor
Pour the uncooked rice directly into your skillet. Stir to coat the grains with the buttery pan sauce, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the rice begins to take on a little golden color and nutty aroma. This is your secret weapon for incredibly flavorful Garlic Parmesan Rice instead of bland filler.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Add the chicken broth and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer undisturbed (stir just once or twice in the first 15 minutes) for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This lets the rice soak up every nuance of the scampi broth.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Return Chicken
Sprinkle the grated parmesan evenly over the rice. Arrange your waiting chicken tenderloins on top, and drizzle the reserved pan sauce over the meat. Cover, remove from the heat, and let it stand for 5 minutes so the cheese can melt into the rice and the flavors marry. At this point, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: should look and smell like pure, savory heaven.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice:
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese never hurt anyone! Add a shower of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Even a twist of cracked black pepper or a few extra red pepper flakes can customize the heat level to your taste.
Side Dishes
Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for balance, or offer simply roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread, naturally, is always a hit for soaking up extra sauce—or try some steamed broccoli or asparagus for a pop of green on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve straight from the skillet at the table—so utterly inviting. If you’re having guests, spoon rice onto plates and fan sliced chicken over the top, finished with that extra drizzle of sauce. For leftovers, try stuffing the mixture into halved bell peppers and baking until golden for a fun, unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making tomorrow’s serving just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. A splash of broth or water stirred in before reheating will revive the creamy consistency of the Garlic Parmesan Rice.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a little extra broth to prevent drying. You can also microwave smaller portions, stirring halfway through for even warming. Just take care not to overcook the chicken during reheating so it stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips so they cook quickly and stay tender. The flavor will be just as wonderful in your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice:.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice makes a fantastic alternative. It keeps the scampi sauce bright and flavorful without alcohol.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—all the ingredients in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your broth and other packaged items to confirm they’re free from hidden gluten.
What other cheeses work if I don’t have parmesan?
While parmesan is traditional here for its sharp, nutty flavor, you can try pecorino romano or even a mix of parmesan and asiago for something a little different. These cheeses melt beautifully and add lots of flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, peas, or sautéed bell peppers right at the end of cooking for a burst of color and extra nutrition. Just make sure veggies are tender before mixing them in.
Final Thoughts
Ready to upgrade your dinner routine? Whip up Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: and watch it disappear from plates. This is a dish that’s generous, comforting, and deeply satisfying—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature meal!
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken tenders cooked in a garlic-infused scampi sauce, served over creamy and cheesy parmesan rice. This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting meal that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 stick butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic with red pepper flakes and salt. Deglaze with white wine, reduce, and set aside some sauce.
- Cook Rice: Toast rice in the skillet, then add chicken broth and salt. Simmer until rice is tender.
- Combine: Sprinkle parmesan over rice, place chicken on top, drizzle reserved sauce, cover, and let rest.
- Serve: Garnish with more parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1340mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Italian Chicken Recipe
