🍗 Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Bright, Buttery, and Packed with Flavor
Chicken Scampi is a zesty, garlicky dish that brings together juicy chicken strips with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce — and when paired with creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice, it becomes a cozy, restaurant-style dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights.
This dish delivers bold flavor with a balance of richness and acidity, thanks to the garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice. The rice soaks it all up, making every bite indulgent and comforting.
📋 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup white wine (optional, substitute with more broth if desired)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
🔧 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using).
Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in butter and let it melt into the sauce.
Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 4: Serve
Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Rice onto plates and top with the chicken scampi and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
🍴 Tips & Variations:
Add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrition.
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood scampi twist.
Make it creamy: stir 2 tablespoons of cream into the sauce before serving.
📦 Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.