This Easy Chicken Scampi is a cozy dish loaded with tender chicken, zesty garlic, and a splash of lemon. Serve it over a bed of creamy parmesan rice for a meal that feels special!
You’ll love how quickly this comes together! I like to add a sprinkle of parsley on top for fun. It really makes it pop—just like a fancy restaurant dish at home! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner. If you’re in a pinch, cooked shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option work great!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that bold flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1 teaspoon, but fresh really makes a difference.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick, but you can leave them out if you prefer something milder. Paprika is a milder alternative for a bit of color.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives the rice a creamy texture. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option works well.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Cooking rice can be tricky, but it’s pretty straightforward! Here are the steps:
- Start by sautéing garlic in butter to infuse flavor. This step adds a nice aroma while cooking.
- Add the rice and sauté for a minute to toast it slightly. This helps the grains stay separate and not clump.
- Pour in the liquid, boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. This helps steam the rice perfectly!
- Let it sit after cooking; it allows the rice to finish cooking off the heat without getting mushy.
With these tips, your rice should come out fluffy and delicious every time!
Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the garlic parmesan rice while the chicken cooks, so everything will be ready to enjoy at about the same time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the rice to the saucepan and stir for 1-2 minutes, combining it with the butter and garlic.
2. Cooking the Rice:
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth or water, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cover, and set aside.
3. Cooking the Chicken Scampi:
While the rice is simmering, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through.
4. Adding Flavor to the Chicken:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the chicken. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and butter, stirring well.
5. Finishing Touches:
Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, spoon the chicken scampi over a generous bed of garlic parmesan rice. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a wonderful pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy this flavorful, easy-to-make chicken scampi paired perfectly with creamy garlic parmesan rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp works wonderfully in this recipe—just cook it until pink and opaque for about 3-4 minutes. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or seitan cut into bite-sized pieces, cooking them until they’re golden brown.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken scampi ahead of time, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth to the pan if needed to rehydrate the rice.
