This Easy Chicken Scampi is all about tender chicken cooked in a tasty garlic butter sauce. Serve it with creamy garlic Parmesan rice that makes every bite feel special!
If you’re like me, the garlicky aroma will have you smiling before the meal even starts! I love how quick and easy this dish is, perfect for busy nights when comfort food is a must.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use shrimp or scallops, which also pair wonderfully with the garlic sauce!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that robust flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use jarred minced garlic, though the taste won’t be quite the same.
White Wine: The recipe calls for dry white wine, which adds depth. If you want to skip the wine, simply use more chicken broth. I find that a splash of lemon juice enhances the flavor even more!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-grated cheese, but the flavor might not be as rich.
How Do I Cook the Rice Perfectly?
Cooking rice may sound simple, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, preventing it from getting too sticky.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté garlic for a minute before adding the rice. This adds a nice flavor!
- Use double the amount of liquid to rice—2 cups of broth for 1 cup of rice. After boiling, cover and simmer on low heat.
- Let the rice rest after cooking. This step helps it become fluffy as it continues to steam in the covered pot.
Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. It’ll take around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 20 minutes to cook everything to delicious perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Rice:
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic!
Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat each grain with the garlic butter. Toast the rice lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. When it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. This will cook the rice until it’s tender and absorbs all the liquid.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover it again and let it sit while you make the chicken scampi.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nice and golden brown. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and the wine (if using) to deglaze the skillet, scraping any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat it well in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
4. Serving It Up:
Once everything is ready, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken scampi for a pop of color and flavor. Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and generously top it with the chicken scampi.
Enjoy your delicious meal, perfect for any night of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or scallops. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp typically cook in about 3-5 minutes, whereas scallops may take just a bit longer.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can simply use more chicken broth as a substitute. A little extra lemon juice can also enhance the flavor without needing wine!
How Do I Prevent the Rice from Getting Sticky?
To avoid sticky rice, be sure to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking. This removes excess starch. Additionally, toasting the rice in butter before adding the liquid also helps achieve a fluffier texture.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers! Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to the rice to help restore its creaminess.
